Things got rowdy during a Harris-Walz rally, but in true Black momma or auntie fashion, Vice President Kamala Harris checked disturbers and gave them an ultimatum.
Harris and her recently announced running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, are on a swing-state tour. At their latest stop in Detroit, however, the campaign felt some static on the long road to Nov. 4.
In the midst of the crowd of 15,000 people, a group of pro-Palestine protesters stood, calling out the vice president on her involvement in the ongoing Gaza crisis. In the middle of Harris’ speech, they began shouting “Kamala, Kamala, you can’t hide, we won’t vote for genocide.”
As the chants quickly filled the venue, Harris supporters were quick to come to her defense, chanting “Kamala! Kamala!” to try to drown out the noise in response.
At first, Harris played it cool, settling the crowd and saying “it’s all good.” But then she went on to address the protesters directly, telling them “I’m here because we believe in democracy. Everyone’s voice matters. But I am speaking now.”
The Democratic nominee continued with her speech, but when the protesters resumed their disruptive chants, Harris simply couldn’t take it anymore. With a straight face and laser set eyes, Harris said, “You know what? If you want Donald Trump to win, then say that...otherwise, I’m speaking.”
The moment was reminiscent of Harris’ clapback at former Vice President Mike Pence in 2020. During their formal vice presidential debate, Pence repeatedly interrupted Harris until she shut him down saying “Mr. Vice President, I am speaking.... kay?”
Before the rally began, Harris and Walz briefly met with leaders from the Uncommitted Movement, a pro-Palestinian liberation organization. During the meeting, two founding leaders of the organization expressed their concerns about U.S. funding Israel to continue to the war, according to Detroit Public Radio. They also demanded an immediate ceasefire.
Despite Harris’ efforts to appear firm in her commitment to end the Israel-Gaza war, the protesters in Detroit are a clear cut example that many Americans remain critical of the Biden-Harris Administration’s handling of the war.
According to the Guardian, the rally disturbers were not affiliated with Uncommitted.