Kamala Harris Declares: 'If Someone Breaks Into My House, They're Getting Shot'

Photo : PTI

Kamala Harris, the Democratic vice president, attended a star-studded rally on Thursday, hosted by renowned talk show legend Oprah Winfrey, in an effort to dazzle voters ahead of the fast-approaching November 5 election. The rally, held under the banner of "Unite for America," featured remote appearances from Hollywood stars such as Jennifer Lopez, Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Chris Rock, and Ben Stiller, all praising Harris via video screens.

Seated on a chat-show-style stage with Winfrey, Harris was asked about her sudden boost in confidence after replacing President Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee. Winfrey noted, "It’s like a veil or something dropped," hinting at a shift in Harris’s demeanor.

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"We each have those moments in our lives when you have to step up," replied the 59-year-old Harris, reflecting on her journey. The event took place in Michigan—one of the seven key battleground states expected to play a crucial role in the election outcome. Harris and Winfrey embraced as Harris took the stage, with the vice president delivering a rallying call for Americans to come together against "powerful forces" that seek to divide the nation, a reference to Republican candidate Donald Trump.

Harris went on to outline her campaign's major points, covering issues such as abortion rights, the economy, immigration, and gun control. Audience members shared personal stories, connecting their experiences to Harris's policy goals.

As a former prosecutor, Harris also made a direct appeal to gun owners, a pivotal group in the United States, where gun ownership is widespread. While advocating for stricter regulations on high-powered assault weapons, she balanced her message by revealing her own status as a gun owner. "I'm a gun owner too," Harris said with a laugh. "If somebody breaks into my house, they're getting shot." She quickly added, "I probably shouldn't have said that... my staff will deal with that later," acknowledging the remark’s controversy.

Winfrey, who had also spoken at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago earlier in August, introduced Harris by expressing optimism, saying she felt "hope and joy rising."

The event attracted attention from numerous grassroots groups, including "Swifties for Harris," a collective of Taylor Swift fans, and "Cat Ladies for Kamala," a group formed in response to remarks made by Trump’s running mate, J.D. Vance, about childless women. Both groups participated remotely, showing their support for Harris.

As Harris’s event unfolded, her opponent, Donald Trump, took a darker approach at a separate rally in Washington, D.C., focusing on the issue of anti-Semitism. Trump criticized Jewish Americans for not supporting his presidential bid, a theme he has returned to throughout his campaign. “If I don’t win this election… in my opinion the Jewish people would have a lot to do with a loss,” Trump said. He also accused Harris of failing to stand with Israel following the October 7 attacks by Hamas, saying that Israel "must defeat her" and suggesting that any Jewish person who votes for her "should have their head examined."

The ongoing Gaza war has become a focal point in the race, with implications for voter support. The "Uncommitted" movement, a group opposed to the Biden-Harris administration's stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict, declared on Thursday that it would not endorse Harris in the election. This poses a potential risk to Harris's margins in Michigan, where the large Arab-American community has voiced strong opposition to the war.

Meanwhile, Harris’s running mate, Tim Walz, met with the families of Americans held hostage by Hamas. Walz assured them that both Biden and Harris were committed to doing everything possible to bring their loved ones home safely.

As both Harris and Trump continue their campaigns, they are also vying for the support of U.S. labor unions. The powerful Teamsters union recently declined to endorse a presidential candidate, breaking with its 25-year tradition of backing Democrats, dealing a setback to Harris's campaign. However, local branches of the Teamsters representing one million members have since stated their endorsement of Harris, offering some consolation to her team.

The race remains tight, with just 47 days left until Election Day. Harris received a slight boost from a recent poll showing her leading in Pennsylvania—considered one of the most critical swing states. Nationwide, however, the same poll found Harris and Trump in a dead heat, highlighting the close contest as both candidates strive to win over every last vote.