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Key Moments From Kamala Harris' CNN Town Hall

In a bold CNN town hall, the vice president opens up about her faith, tackles tough questions about her leadership, and outlines a fresh approach to key issues—all while sharply criticizing Trump.

During a Wednesday night (Oct. 23) CNN town hall, Kamala Harris hinted at what a future under her leadership could look like. She didn’t hold back, calling out Donald Trump as a “fascist,” following reports from John Kelly that Trump wanted generals to act like Hitler’s did. Yeah, she went there. And with Biden signaling that she can “cut her own path,” she’s stepping up to deliver something fresh.

"A New Approach"—But Make It Relatable
During the town hall, Harris emphasized the need for a different way of governing, especially around key issues like caring for seniors and tackling rising living costs. “I’m not going to shy away from saying these are still problems we need to fix,” she said confidently. The message? She’s here for solutions, not sideline commentary.

Faith and Personal Life—A Rare Glimpse
Harris opened up about her faith—a side she rarely shows. Reflecting on the day Biden endorsed her after dropping his reelection bid, she shared a personal moment with her pastor, Rev. Dr. Amos Brown, saying, “I needed a prayer that day.”

Raised in California, Harris grew up practicing both Baptist and Hindu traditions, giving her a unique spiritual foundation. Now married to Doug Emhoff, who is Jewish, her interfaith household reflects the diversity she champions. “Your faith is a verb,” she added, meaning it’s about taking action to help others—an ethos she seems committed to bringing into her work.

Real Talk: What Are Her Weaknesses?
When asked about her flaws, Harris didn’t try to pretend she’s perfect. “I’m certainly not perfect, so let’s start there,” she joked, acknowledging that she relies on smart people around her to challenge her thinking. “I’m always saying, ‘Let’s kick the tires on that,’” she added, hinting at her cautious nature.

Why It Matters
Harris' town hall made one thing clear: she’s ready to show voters what she can bring to the table, separate from Biden’s legacy. And with key issues like abortion access, affordability, and faith on people’s minds—especially for young voters—Harris is positioning herself as a leader ready to meet the moment.

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