Vice President Kamala Harris announced significant public and private sector commitments to advance digital inclusion in Africa during her historic trip to the continent. Key initiatives include the Mobilizing Access to the Digital Economy (MADE) Alliance, the Partnership for Digital Access in Africa (PDAA), and the Women in the Digital Economy Fund (WiDEF). These efforts aim to enhance digital infrastructure, promote gender equality, and support economic growth by mobilizing billions in investments and fostering collaborations between U.S., African, and global partners.
Vice President Harris plans to visit Parkland, Fla., to advocate for the increased use of red flag laws, which allow for the temporary removal of guns from individuals deemed to pose a danger to themselves or others. She will walk the halls of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and announce a new effort to provide training and technical assistance to states, local governments, law enforcement, and health care providers in using these laws. Harris will also urge states to utilize funding from the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to raise awareness about the laws and train court staff and first responders.
Vice President Harris, joined by rapper Fat Joe and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, urged the DEA to expedite its review of marijuana's classification, emphasizing the criminal justice impact and disproportionate harm to Black and Latino men. President Biden, who pledged to decriminalize marijuana and expunge prior convictions, has pardoned individuals convicted under federal law and D.C. statute. Harris called the current Schedule I classification "absurd" and stressed the need for a prompt resolution based on the DEA's assessment, as the issue polls well with young voters and has gained attention in Biden's recent State of the Union address.
Vice President Harris made history by visiting a Planned Parenthood health center in Minnesota, becoming the first American president or vice president to tour such a facility while in office. Her visit highlights the Democrats' focus on abortion as a key issue, particularly following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. The visit is part of a multistate tour emphasizing reproductive rights, with Minnesota experiencing an influx of out-of-state patients seeking abortions due to restrictions in other states. The Biden administration and Democrats are prioritizing reproductive health care access in the upcoming elections, with polling showing its importance to voters.
Vice President Harris is set to visit an abortion clinic in Minnesota, marking the first time a U.S. president or vice president has visited such a facility. This visit underscores the Biden administration's emphasis on reproductive rights in the upcoming 2024 presidential race, with Harris leading efforts following the 2022 Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade. The visit comes as Minnesota passed a law guaranteeing the right to abortion, while neighboring states implemented bans, leading to increased demand for services in Minnesota.
Vice President Harris has taken a more public role in criticizing Israel's actions in Gaza, meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's chief political rival and bluntly calling for increased humanitarian aid. Her sharp tone reflects a growing number of Democrats' displeasure with the Biden administration's handling of the conflict, as well as concerns about President Biden's ability to lead. Harris's actions signal a shift in the administration's posture, with urgent efforts to secure a cease-fire in Gaza before the start of Ramadan.
Vice President Harris stated that there is no backup plan for providing Ukraine with weapons and funding, emphasizing that "there's only Plan A." The stalled Ukraine aid has raised concerns among European allies about the reliability of the United States as a partner. While Congress approved over $112 billion for aid to Ukraine in 2022, it remains uncertain if or when the additional aid requested by President Biden will advance in the House of Representatives. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expressed the importance of U.S. support, highlighting the vital role of the aid package for his country.
Vice President Harris is set to address European leaders at the Munich Security Conference, aiming to reassure them of America's commitment to its allies despite recent concerns raised by Trump's comments and Republican leaders' actions. Amidst worries about the upcoming presidential election and the potential return of Trump, Harris faces the challenge of defending Biden's foreign policy track record and assuring European allies of continued US support. The trip also puts a spotlight on Harris's role in the administration and her ability to step into a leadership position if necessary.
Vice President Kamala Harris hosted a meeting with battleground state governors to discuss campaign strategies, including discrediting special counsel Robert Hur's report and campaigning more aggressively on issues like abortion rights and immigration. The governors expressed concerns about the lack of creativity and agility from the West Wing and urged President Biden to be more aggressive on immigration and change his language on abortion. Despite ongoing chatter about removing Biden from the party ticket, there was no conversation about it during the meeting. Harris and the governors agreed to question the partisan motivations of Hur and focus on raising concerns about Donald Trump possibly returning to the White House. Plans for a big campaign-style push after the State of the Union address on March 7 were also discussed, with a focus on abortion rights and immigration.
Vice President Harris asserts her readiness to serve amid concerns about President Biden's age and mental aptitude, following a special counsel report that described Biden as an "elderly man with a poor memory." A poll conducted after the report's release found that 86% of Americans believe Biden is too old to serve in office, with 59% expressing the same concern about both Biden and his top GOP competitor, former President Trump. Harris, 59, has previously stated her preparedness to be president "if necessary" and dismissed concerns about Biden's fitness, while a Republican strategist suggested that Harris has become a significant issue in the upcoming election.
South Carolina's Democratic presidential nominating primary kicks off with Vice President Harris emphasizing the state's leadoff position and President Biden aiming to solidify support among Black voters. Biden's strategic move to place South Carolina first in the party's official presidential nominating calendar is seen as a thank you to Rep. James Clyburn and the state for their pivotal role in his 2020 election. With Biden expected to carry South Carolina by a massive margin, the primary is described as contested but not competitive, highlighting the significance of Black and southern voters having their voices heard first in the process.
President Biden and Vice President Harris are set to headline their first joint campaign rally of the year in Manassas, focusing on reproductive rights in the wake of recent efforts to restrict access to abortions in Virginia. The rally comes as Virginia Republicans vowed to enact abortion bans if they gained a supermajority in the legislature, but Democrats ultimately reclaimed control. The event coincides with the New Hampshire Republican primary, where former President Trump is seeking a decisive victory.
Vice President Harris is embarking on a tour to highlight new abortion restrictions, aiming to energize voters for the upcoming presidential election. The tour will cover states with varying abortion laws, with the first stop in Wisconsin's Waukesha County, a politically significant area. President Biden will also address reproductive rights, and the Democratic campaign is emphasizing the issue in advertising to reach key voter demographics. Harris, drawing on her prosecutorial experience, seeks to connect with voters on the impact of abortion restrictions.
Vice President Kamala Harris has cast her 32nd tiebreaking vote in the Senate, setting a new record for the most deciding votes by a vice president. This surpasses the previous record set by John C. Calhoun in 1832. Harris's tiebreaking votes have been crucial in advancing key legislation and confirming federal judges. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer presented Harris with a golden gavel to commemorate the milestone.
Republican Rep. Andy Ogles introduced articles of impeachment against President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, accusing Biden of weaponizing the presidency to shield his family's business and influence peddling schemes from congressional oversight and public accountability, and acting in a manner contrary to the public trust with his handling of the southern border crisis. Harris is accused of extraordinary incompetence in the execution of her duties and responsibilities and an indifference to Americans suffering as a result of America's ongoing southern border crisis. The impeachment articles are unlikely to gain traction in the House.
