Sen. Kamala Harris discusses hate, division, COVID-19 during News 13 interview

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Sen. Kamala Harris visited Asheville on Wednesday, making a stop to urge supporters to vote. Harris, the running mate of former vice president Joe Biden, spoke with News 13 before the event, answering questions on a range of subjects. And she didn’t hold back on her criticism of President Donald Trump.

“He has been awful in terms of speaking to the base instincts of himself instead of the higher angels of who we are as Americans,” Harris said.

Harris said the president has stoked racial tensions nationwide.

“Donald Trump, from his campaign, to the day he was elected, to today, has spent full-time trying to sow hate and division in our country. And, I know the American people want in their president someone who spends their time from their heart and soul unifying the country instead of turning Americans against each other," Harris said.

SUPPORTERS, OPPONENTS GATHER IN HOPES OF SEEING SEN HARRIS DURING ASHEVILLE CAMPAIGN STOP

Political experts have said Trump must win the state and its 15 electorate votes in order to win re-election. Polls show Biden ahead by just two to three percentage points, which falls within the margin of error. Trump drew thousands to a rally in Gastonia on Wednesday night. Harris had a smaller group at her event on the campus of UNC Asheville.

"Asheville has an incredible, well-known reputation as being a home to many small businesses, artists, breweries, all of whom have been so devastated by the COVID virus," Harris said.

She revealed her plan for Monday’s s vote on Supreme Court nominee Justice Amy Coney Barrett.

“I will not be voting for her. I will oppose her nomination,” Harris said.

Harris also discussed reparations, a hot topic in Asheville. The city made national news when the city council passed a resolution for reparations.

“I’m actually supporting a bill in the U.S. Congress for studying the effects of what we know to be institutional and systemic racism in America," Harris said.

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