Speaking at the Democratic National Committee’s summer meeting in Maryland, Harris echoed President Joe Biden’s recent attacks on “MAGA” Republican leaders he says are a threat to the nation. “We have to tell the truth about it,” Harris said. “Today, by coming together we affirm that we refuse to let extremist, so-called leaders tear apart our democracy.” The vice president criticized the fallout from the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade as an example of such leaders trying to “take away liberties.” At least 15 states have virtually halted abortion services since the court’s ruling in late June. Harris warned that Republicans could decide to ban abortions nationwide or pursue other rights such as contraception or marriage equality if they gain a majority in the House and Senate. “Without a Democratic majority and Congress, who knows what other rights will follow?” asked. He blasted Republicans who say issues like abortion rights should be left up to individual states while also “deliberately making it harder for people in those states to vote” and called three states — Florida, Texas and Georgia — for restrictive laws targeting abortion rights and the LGBTQ community. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, September 9, 2022. Adam Davis/POOL/EPA via Shutterstock, FILE Like Biden, he also characterized the midterm elections as a stark choice between the Democratic agenda and some of their Republican colleagues. “If there was any question about whether there is a difference between the parties, over the last 18 months it has become clear,” he said. “There is a big difference. We all know that American families have been struggling, but while the leaders of the Republican Party have gone on television to opine about the situation, Democrats have actually done something about it.” The vice president went on to outline the administration’s accomplishments on COVID-19 relief, infrastructure, gun safety and the announcement of student debt relief. Other parts of the Biden-Harris agenda, including child care and voting rights, have stalled in Congress, but Harris said if Democrats can pick up two more seats in the Senate, more can be done — noting specifically the role of as a tied vote to dissolve the Senate. “In our first year in office, some historians here may know, I actually broke John Adams’ record for most votes in one term,” he said, before adding: “I’m looking forward to casting the deciding vote to break it. the filibuster on voting rights and reproductive rights’. Biden has asked the Senate to change voting rules to pass voting reforms and codify Roe, but has met with opposition from Republicans and some Democrats. Republicans, in their midterm messages, criticized the Biden administration on inflation, gas prices and crime. The GOP is generally favored to regain control of the House and Senate this cycle, but recent legislative and electoral victories are signs that Democrats’ chances may be improving. Harris celebrated Democrat Mary Peltola’s victory over Republican Sarah Palin in Alaska’s special election for the state’s vacant U.S. House seat, as well as Kansas voters rejecting an anti-abortion measure. “We have momentum on our side,” he said. ABC News’ Justin Gomez contributed to this report.
