AFT President: Kamala Harris Won Debate with Vision for American Unity

WASHINGTON—Following the presidential debate, AFT President Randi Weingarten released a statement highlighting key takeaways from the event:

"Vice President Kamala Harris won tonight’s debate by focusing on the American people."

Weingarten emphasized Harris's connection to the aspirations and hopes of Americans. She praised Harris for presenting a vision grounded in unity and detailed plans aimed at creating an opportunity economy while treating healthcare as a right.

According to Weingarten, Harris committed to being a president for all, contrasting sharply with what she described as Donald Trump’s approach, which she called a continuation of "lies, incoherence, narcissism and nonsense."

"As Trump dwelled on his dark, backward-looking agenda, Harris called on Americans to come together and turn the page," Weingarten stated. She noted Harris's stance with working people, her efforts to protect fundamental freedoms, and her vision to ensure economic advancement for everyone.

Weingarten highlighted Harris's belief in education as a pathway to economic opportunity. Harris plans to invest in public schools, create pathways to quality jobs, increase access to housing, and make healthcare more affordable. Additional focus areas include tackling price gouging and strengthening Social Security and Medicare.

Weingarten discussed Harris's history of advocating for fair wages, supporting unions, and reinforcing the middle class. In contrast, she criticized Trump for what she saw as self-serving actions during the debate. "The man who once proposed injecting disinfectant as a COVID-19 treatment whined that he didn’t get enough credit for his response to the pandemic," she said.

Weingarten also addressed Trump’s repeated claims about the 2020 election and his praise for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. "He claimed the nation is 'dying,'" she noted, contrasting his perspective with Harris's forward-looking vision.

Weingarten concluded by emphasizing the importance of the upcoming election for future generations. "Kamala Harris represents a new generation of leadership that is fighting for real solutions for all American families. We must not get dragged back into chaos, fear and hate. It’s time to turn the page," she said.

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The AFT represents 1.8 million pre-K through 12th-grade teachers; paraprofessionals and other school-related personnel; higher education faculty and professional staff; federal, state and local government employees; nurses and healthcare workers; and early childhood educators.