Democrats Defend Kamala’s Border Handling

Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) defended Vice President Kamala Harris on Sunday, asserting that she is well-informed about the U.S.-Mexico border situation. Speaking on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” Kelly firmly endorsed Harris’s grasp of the border issues, stating, “Yes, she absolutely understands the complexities of the border situation.” He suggested that while some Senate Democrats might have struggled with border issues in 2022, there is now a clearer understanding among them.

Kelly emphasized the importance of passing legislation on border security to pave the way for broader immigration reform, as championed by Harris. He referenced the failure of a recent bipartisan border security deal and indicated that such legislative efforts would enable a focus on comprehensive immigration solutions.

Notably, Kelly was previously considered as a potential running mate for Harris, though Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz ultimately was chosen for that role. During the interview, host Margaret Brennan highlighted a recent CBS News poll revealing that 48% of respondents believe Harris’s potential presidency might lead to increased border crossings.

In response, Kelly criticized the contrasting approaches of Harris and former President Donald Trump. He argued that Harris has actively supported bipartisan efforts for border security, unlike Trump, who he claimed encouraged Senate Republicans to abandon similar initiatives. Kelly noted that, under Harris’s focus, border crossings in Arizona have significantly decreased, attributing this success to her commitment to addressing the issue, unlike Trump’s administration, which he argued undermined border security efforts.

Kelly’s comments aim to reinforce Harris’s dedication to border security and immigration reform while contrasting her approach with that of Trump, suggesting a more effective strategy under Harris’s leadership.