Reporter Confronts Harris Over Israel-Hamas War, Wonders If She Could ‘Lose’ Election Over It

Vice President Kamala Harris faced tough questions from a reporter about the escalating Gaza conflict following the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.

During a press briefing in Detroit on Saturday after a campaign event, Harris responded to the inquiries. Since Sinwar’s death earlier in the week, she has praised Israel for eliminating the infamous leader while also advocating for peace in the region.

Since announcing her candidacy, Harris has faced criticism from the pro-Palestinian wing of the Democratic Party over the Biden administration’s position on Israel. A reporter asked if the situation in Gaza could hurt her chances in the election.

Here’s how the exchange unfolded:

REPORTER: There’s a lot of churn and turmoil within the Arab-American and Muslim communities here in Michigan. Do you think you could lose the election because of Gaza and what. You know, overnight there were more strikes. 32 more people were killed in Gaza, some in hospitals. You know, how risky is it that you could lose the election?

HARRIS: Well, it is undeniable that it is something that everyone is aware of. What is happening there. I speak publicly all the time about the fact that there are so many tragic stories coming from Gaza. And of course, the first in this phase of everything that has happened. The first most tragic story is October 7th. And what happened that day and then what has happened since. And I think what’s critically important as we look at this moment is one acknowledging the tragedy of what has happened in Gaza in terms of the extraordinary number of innocent Palestinians who have been killed. And taking that seriously and speaking truth about that. In addition, of course, to what I said about what happened on October 7th, in terms of 1200 innocent Israelis being slaughtered, women being horribly raped, and then fast forwarding to today with the killing of Sinwar. This creates an opening that I believe we must take full advantage of to dedicate ourselves to ending this war and bringing the hostages home.

REPORTER: That is not working so far.

HARRIS: You know what? Listen, as it relates to the issues in the Middle East and in particular in that region, it has never been easy. But that doesn’t mean we give up, okay? It is always going to be difficult. It does not mean we give up. We can’t give up.

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The exchange occurred just after a significant endorsement of her GOP rival, former President Donald Trump, from the Muslim community.

Hamtramck, Michigan Mayor Amer Ghalib, a Muslim, stood with Trump at an event on Friday, publicly endorsing him, according to The Detroit News.

“As you know, President Trump keeps saying our country is in decline, and the ship is sinking. Sometimes it’s wise to sail against the wave to reach the shore safely, under the leadership of President Trump. That’s why I endorsed him here in Wayne County,” said Ghalib, who leads a city with the first all-Muslim city council in the U.S.

“We’ve had a history of disconnect with the Republican Party, but now we’re here to end that disconnect,” added the mayor, a Democrat. “Trump’s visit today shows his respect and appreciation for our community.”

When Trump took the stage, he outlined his approach to the Middle East.

“You know, we all want one thing: peace in the Middle East, and we’re going to achieve it,” Trump said, as someone in the crowd called out, “We trust you.”