By Nandita Bose
WASHINGTON (Multibagger) - In a strategic move, Democrat Vice President Kamala Harris disclosed during Tuesday's debate with Republican Donald Trump that she possesses a firearm, sparking surprise among some voters while sending a calculated political message.
Harris keeps a handgun at her California residence for personal security purposes, securely stored away, according to a White House insider on Friday. Although the specific make of the gun remains undisclosed, it is the same firearm Harris previously mentioned on the campaign trail in 2019.
KEY QUOTES
"This business about taking everyone's guns away — Tim Walz and I are both gun owners. We're not taking anybody's guns away, so stop with the continuous lying about this stuff," Harris stated on Tuesday, in reference to her running mate Walz.
Back in 2019, Harris informed reporters, "I am a gun owner, and I own a gun for probably the reason a lot of people do — for personal safety. I was a career prosecutor."
WHY IT'S IMPORTANT:
Aligned with the majority of her Democratic Party peers, Harris advocates for stricter gun safety measures to address the alarming rate of gun-related fatalities and injuries in the U.S. Opponents of this legislation, primarily Republicans, argue that Democrats intend to confiscate Americans' firearms and undermine the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which grants citizens the right to "bear arms."
Harris aims to resonate with a segment of voters among the one-third of Americans who own guns, as well as the two-thirds who support enhanced regulation of gun ownership.
CONTEXT
Harris has proposed the implementation of universal background checks and the expansion of red flag laws to remove firearms from individuals deemed hazardous or unstable. Additionally, she advocates for the prohibition of so-called assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.
"I'm a good marksman," Harris revealed during an onstage Politico interview in 2015 in California when asked about her experience with firearms. “Yes, I have shot a gun many times," she added, specifying that it was a pistol.
Reportedly, Trump's New York concealed carry license was revoked in April 2023 following a criminal indictment. He surrendered two of his three pistols, while the third was relocated to Florida, as per CNN.
Analysis: Vice President Kamala Harris' revelation of owning a gun for personal safety sheds light on her stance regarding gun ownership and gun safety legislation. By openly discussing her firearm ownership, Harris aims to connect with voters who prioritize both personal security and stricter regulations on gun ownership. This disclosure underscores the ongoing debate between Democrats and Republicans on gun control measures, highlighting the contrasting views on the Second Amendment and the need for enhanced gun safety laws. Overall, Harris' public acknowledgment of her gun ownership serves as a strategic move to resonate with diverse voter segments and emphasize her commitment to addressing gun violence in the United States.