HOUSTON (AP) — With Kamala Harris beyonce Igniting a Houston rally with a double-take on Donald Trump on Friday, the superstar told the largest crowd ever for a Democratic candidate that “it’s time to sing a new song,” and his Republican opponent is certain He warned that it was about to decline further. women’s rights.
The rally was held in the reliably Republican state of Texas to highlight the growing medical impact of the state’s strict abortion ban, but the message was that Ms. It was also intended to be registered in political battleground states with high expectations. Loss of Roe v. Wade Voters will likely support her presidential bid.
“To all the men and women in this room and all the people watching over this country, we need you,” Beyoncé said in a rare political appearance. The megastar’s speech was lofty, fun, and optimistic, reflecting the seriousness of the topic and the message Harris was trying to convey.
“I’m here as a mother, a mother who cares deeply about my children and the world that all of our children live in,” Beyoncé said. “A world where we have full control over our bodies, a world where we are not divided.”
Harris appeared to great applause. She told the audience that President Trump had undermined half a century of hard work by overturning Roe and appointing Supreme Court justices who created a growing health care crisis.
She listed the downstream effects seen from the various bans. Women who did not intend to terminate their pregnancies suffer serious complications if they do not receive care. There are fewer options and fewer medical students specialize in women’s health.
“People who are watching from other states may think that they’re not because they live in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Nevada, New York, California, or any other state where voters and legislators protect reproductive freedom. For those who think they’re protected from Trump’s abortion ban, know this: No one is,” Harris warned. “Because Donald Trump’s national ban would make abortion illegal in every state.”
“That being said, elections are important,” she said.
President Trump has been inconsistent in his message to voters. Abortion and reproductive rightshas said he would veto a nationwide abortion ban. He has repeatedly changed positions and provided vague, contradictory, and sometimes nonsensical answers to questions about the issue. critical vulnerability for Republicans in this year’s election.
Trump also visited Texas on Friday, predicting that if he wins the election he will break the record for the number of people deported from the United States. He recorded a podcast with Joe Rogan before heading to a rally in Traverse City, Michigan, and took the stage three hours late.
Harris’ rally was also attended by women who had nearly died from sepsis and other pregnancy complications due to lack of proper medical care. Some of them are already campaigning for Harris, and others have told their harrowing stories on television. Campaign advertisement for display purposes How this issue has escalated into something much bigger than the right to end an unwanted pregnancy.
Because abortion was restricted in Texas, the state Infant mortality increasedmore babies are dying from congenital abnormalities, and maternal mortality rates are rising.
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Crowds waited for hours wearing LED bracelets that flashed red, white and blue as “Women You Can Trust” and “Freedom” were displayed on a large intermission screen.
“Sometimes people forget about us because we’re a Republican state,” said Rhonda Johnson, who has lived in Houston for 19 years. “But I’m glad she’s here.”
Reproductive rights, economics, and LGBTQ issues were the main reasons Yannick Giomatchia supported Harris and decided to wait in line for hours to see her. “This is very personal,” he said, adding that he knows friends who have had to make difficult decisions because of state abortion restrictions.
Harris’ campaign has adopted Beyoncé’s 2016 song “Freedom” as its national anthem, and its message is consistent with the vice president’s emphasis on reproductive freedom. Beyoncé was joined by her mother Tina Knowles and former bandmate Kelly Rowland to talk about Harris’ historic candidacy and dreams of a more unified nation.
“Our voices sing a chorus of unity,” Beyoncé said. “They are singing songs of dignity and opportunity. Are you all ready?”
Harris was joined by country legend Willie Nelson, who sang some of his biggest hits, including “On the Road Again.”
“Hey, how’s everyone doing?” Nelson, 91, asked the crowd. “Are you ready to say Madam President?”
A growing number of states have strict abortion bans in 14 states. Women cannot receive medical care until their condition becomes life-threatening.. In some states, doctors If you provide medical care, you may be subject to criminal charges..
Democrats have warned that the sorting of rights and freedoms will only continue if Trump is elected. Republican lawmakers States across the country continue to refuse to support Democrats. For example, efforts to protect or expand access to contraception.
“In America, freedom isn’t a given. It’s not a gift. It’s ours. It’s ours. That includes making decisions about your own body without being told what to do by the government.” That includes basic freedoms for women,” Harris said.
There is some evidence to suggest that abortion rights may similarly drive women to vote. during the 2022 midterm elections. voters in 7 statesOver the past two years, statewide voters, including some conservatives, have blocked attempts to protect abortion rights or restrict abortion.
About 6/10 A July poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that Americans generally think states should allow legal abortions if a pregnancy is unwanted for any reason.
Democrats also hope Harris’ visit will be a boost for members of Congress. Colin Allredhe has a grand goal of unseating the Republican Texas senator. Ted Cruz. Allred said Friday that if she votes to overturn women’s constitutional rights like Cruz did, she should lose her job.
Texas epitomizes the post-Raw landscape. Abortion is strictly prohibited, and doctors are prohibited from performing an abortion if heart activity is detected, and the abortion may occur as early as six weeks.
As a result, women receive increasingly inferior medical care. That’s partly because doctors can’t intervene unless the woman is facing a life-threatening condition or to prevent “serious impairment of a major bodily function.”
Ondrea Cummings, who lost her 16-week-old baby and nearly died from sepsis due to lack of adequate treatment, said, “President Donald Trump’s abortion ban in Texas almost cost me my life.” I almost died, and it left me with physical and mental scars.” .
“I never thought I would have a personal experience like this. If it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone.”
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Long report from Washington.
