Vice President Kamala Harris faced down hecklers at her Detroit rally on Wednesday, quickly and decisively silencing the disruption. According to CNN, about half a dozen protesters chanted what sounded like a pro-Palestinian message.
Harris, not missing a beat, addressed the protesters directly: “You know what, if you want Donald Trump to win, say that. Otherwise, I’m speaking.” The crowd erupted in cheers, echoing Harris’s command. This line harkens back to the 2020 vice presidential debates when Harris famously told then-Vice President Mike Pence, “Mr. Vice President, I’m speaking,” after he repeatedly interrupted her explanation of the Democratic ticket’s tax plan.
The moment resonated deeply, particularly with women who have faced similar struggles to be heard over men who disregard their opinions. “I’m speaking” quickly became an iconic phrase, even appearing on merchandise. Before Harris became the Democratic nominee, President Joe Biden also encountered hecklers and demonstrators at his events. Much of the unrest stemmed from the United States’ position on Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
At one of his rallies in Detroit, Biden faced a protester and responded by acknowledging her passion. He told the crowd, “Folks, look. I understand her passion. I understand her passion. That’s why I put together a detailed plan that the United Nations accepted, that the Israelis accepted, that the Palestinians accepted, to end this war.”
Harris’s ability to handle the hecklers swiftly and effectively underscores her experience and composure on the campaign trail. Her response not only quelled the disruption but also galvanized her supporters, drawing a clear contrast between her and the former president. As the election approaches, such moments highlight the candidates’ ability to navigate challenges and maintain focus on their message.