In exclusive interviews with Diya TV, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump shared their perspectives on crucial topics ahead of the upcoming U.S. presidential election. The discussions, ranging from voter engagement to immigration reform and rising hate crimes, offer insight into their policy positions and appeal to voters.
Vice President Harris expressed optimism about the current political climate, noting a surge in activism, particularly among young people. Citing movements like the Parkland students advocating for gun reform, Dreamers fighting for immigration policy changes, and youth of color addressing racial and economic inequalities, Harris highlighted the unprecedented participation in politics.
“I’ve been seeing a level of activism and participation that actually gives me a lot of optimism about our future,” Harris stated, underscoring how young Americans, from middle school students to teenagers, are stepping up to discuss important issues. She also emphasized the increasing number of women running for office, many for the first time.
Harris believes this engagement reflects the public’s determination to counter the divisive rhetoric in Washington. “We have powerful voices sowing hate and division, but the other side of that is activating a lot of people to say, ‘I’m not going to stand for it.’” She urged all citizens to stay involved, speak up through their votes, and support candidates that reflect their values.
Former President Trump focused on immigration, addressing the bipartisan efforts to resolve the status of DALCA recipients, or “Documented Dreamers,” children brought to the U.S. legally by their legal immigrant parents. Because of the immigration backlog, Trump noted the unfairness of sending individuals back to countries they no longer identify with, saying, “They don’t even speak the language of that country.” He expressed his willingness to help push legislation supporting those affected, indicating that his stance aligns with both Democratic and Republican efforts.
When asked about working with Hindu Americans, Trump referred to his past involvement in creating ads that resonated with the community, particularly one popular in India and the U.S. He remains open to engaging with this group, particularly as the election season intensifies.
The interviews also touched on the alarming rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans, including the Hindu American community. Vice President Harris did not directly address the issue in the excerpt, but former President Trump condemned the violence, saying, “It shouldn’t happen, and we’ve got to stop it.” His comments follow reports of increasing incidents of violence, including recent attacks on Hindu Americans in Texas and California, and he emphasized the need for action to protect these communities.
As the U.S. presidential race heats up, both Harris and Trump are focusing on energizing their voter bases, addressing critical issues such as voter engagement, immigration reform, and the protection of minority communities. Their messages offer a clear view of their policy priorities and leadership styles, providing voters with much to consider as Election Day approaches.