Kamala Harris Vows to Protect Auto Industry, Accuses Trump of Neglect

In a fiery speech in Flint, Michigan, Vice President Kamala Harris promised to safeguard the auto industry and accused former President Donald Trump of failing to invest in the development of electric vehicles, allowing China to dominate the market. Harris's remarks came a day after Trump warned Michigan voters that she would "decimate" the car industry if elected president.

Kamala Harris Pledges to Prioritize American Auto Jobs and Innovation

Defending the Auto Industry

Vice President Kamala Harris took the stage in Flint, Michigan, the birthplace of General Motors, to address the concerns of the state's auto workers. She firmly denied that she would mandate electric vehicles if elected president, contrary to what her opponent had suggested. "Contrary to what my opponent is suggesting, I will never tell you what kind of car you have to drive," Harris assured the rally attendees.However, Harris acknowledged the Biden administration's efforts to transition the economy towards electric vehicles. She argued that this shift is necessary to ensure that "America, not China, wins the competition for the 21st century." Harris criticized Trump's record, accusing him of letting down the working class and allowing auto plants in Warren, Detroit, and other areas to close during his tenure.

Investing in Union Jobs and Innovation

Harris promised to make investments in union jobs if elected, emphasizing her support for the auto industry's workforce. She was introduced by Eric Price, a local United Auto Workers leader, and Shawn Fain, the UAW president, underscoring her commitment to the labor movement.The vice president also sought to appeal to young Black men, a crucial voting bloc, by bringing in basketball legend Magic Johnson to the event. Johnson urged the community to support Harris, arguing that her opponent had made promises to the Black community that he failed to deliver on.

Countering Trump's Rhetoric

Harris's remarks came in response to Trump's recent appearance in Saginaw, Michigan, where he promised a "manufacturing renaissance" and a tough-on-China message. The former president had warned that the phasing out of gasoline-powered cars would accelerate the decline of Flint's auto industry.Harris sought to counter Trump's rhetoric by focusing on his record as president. She accused him of letting down the working class and allowing auto plants to close during his administration. While the number of auto jobs grew slightly under Trump before the pandemic, there has been a larger expansion under the Biden administration.

Defending the Biden Agenda

Harris also addressed the Biden administration's efforts to transition the economy to electric vehicles, a move that has faced criticism from some in the auto industry. She argued that this shift is necessary to ensure that the United States, not China, leads the way in the 21st century.The vice president's remarks came as the Trump campaign accused Biden of "upstaging" Harris with a surprise press conference held as she campaigned in Detroit. Biden told reporters that he and Harris are "singing from the same song sheet," a comment that Republicans quickly used to tie her to the Biden agenda.Overall, Kamala Harris's speech in Flint was a direct response to Trump's attacks on her and the Biden administration's policies. She sought to reassure auto workers, defend the administration's efforts to promote electric vehicles, and position herself as a champion of the American auto industry and its workforce.