ARIZONA NEWS

Arizona political expert: Donald Trump let Kamala Harris off easy on immigration issue

Sep 11, 2024, 10:00 AM | Updated: 10:37 am

Issue of immigration at presidential debate...

Republican Donald Trump speaks during the presidential debate with Democrat Kamala Harris on Sept. 10, 2024, in Philadelphia. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

(Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

PHOENIX – An Arizona political expert thinks former President Donald Trump let Vice President Kamala Harris off the hook on the issue of immigration during Tuesday’s presidential debate.

“What stood out for me was what should have been Trump’s main issue, which is Arizona’s main issue, didn’t end up landing for him,” Stan Barnes, founder of Phoenix’s Copper State Consulting Group, told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Arizona’s Morning News on Wednesday.

Recent polling shows how important the issue of immigration is in the Grand Canyon State. More Arizona voters cite it as their top concern than any other issue, according to an August survey by Noble Predictive Insights. The Phoenix-based research firm also found strong support for Proposition 314, a Republican-backed border security-related ballot measure.

The issue of immigration “exists like a dead cat at the front door of the White House,” Barnes said.

“I mean, it’s right there for everybody to see is a Democratic problem given that [President] Joe Biden unwound everything that Trump had done,” he added.

What did Trump say about issue of immigration?

While the Republican nominee actually did refer to dead cats when discussing immigration, it was to amplify false rumors that Haitian immigrants in Ohio were abducting and eating neighborhood pets.

“They’re eating the dogs. They’re eating the cats. They’re eating the pets of the people that live there,” he said.

Harris called Trump “extreme” and laughed after his comment. Debate moderators pointed out that local officials in Ohio have said the claims are not true.

Barnes said it’s good politics for Trump to attack his Democratic opponent and the current administration for their policies on immigration and the southern border whenever he can, but he missed his chance during what could be his only debate with Harris.

“Kamala Harris never got pinned down on that. She should have been on the defense about that, but she never was,” Barnes said. “And so what stood out to me was, she did not have to account for a broken system under her watch, and she got away with acting like she had nothing to do with any of it.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Arizona News

Integrated Biometrics Chandler Arizona 2025...

Serena O'Sullivan

Integrated Biometrics expanding its Chandler research facility

PHOENIX — Companies curious about incorporating biometrics into their workflows can now visit a Chandler research facility to test new technologies through interactive exhibits. Integrated Biometrics, a South Carolina-based company, has a facility in Chandler near Kyrene Road and Chandler Boulevard. The company recently expanded its Chandler facility by around 8,000 square feet, according to […]

1 hour ago

Arizona State Parks and Trails will raise fees....

Lance Hartzler

Arizona State Parks and Trails fees to increase at more than 30 locations

PHOENIX — Visitors to Arizona parks and trails are going to be paying a little more starting on Feb. 25. Arizona State Parks and Trails, which does not rely on taxpayer dollars to operate parks, announced Thursday that the agency will increase fees on entrances, camping and tour tickets for its 33 locations to help […]

1 hour ago

fentanyl pills, fentanyl bust Phoenix...

KTAR.com

Weekend Wrap: Here are the biggest Phoenix news stories from Feb. 7-9

Here are some of the top Valley news stories from Feb. 7-9, including a Phoenix man being pulled over with more than 100,000 fentanyl pills.

13 hours ago

Economists foresee labor shortages in construction and agriculture as a result of President Donald ...

Matthew DeWees and Katrina Michalak/Cronkite News

Donald Trump’s mass deportations could mean higher costs and labor shortages in Arizona

Deportations ordered by President Trump could hit Arizona’s agriculture and construction sectors hard, pushing up prices for shoppers.

17 hours ago

Immigration Arizona criminal charges 565 people USAO...

Payne Moses

More than 500 charged with immigration-related crime in Arizona over recent 2-week period

From Jan. 21-Feb. 3, a total of 565 people were charged with illegal immigration activity by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Arizona.

19 hours ago

Two Valley freeway ramps will be closed for the next two months....

Kevin Stone

2 Valley on-ramps closing for 2 months as part of freeway improvement projects

A couple of metro Phoenix freeway ramps are closing for the next two months as part of ongoing improvement projects.

23 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Bright Wealth Management

How IRAs are a helpful tool in retirement planning

When it comes to retirement planning, individual retirement accounts (IRAs) can be a great tool for income growth.

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to start your retirement planning early and avoid costly mistakes

Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can avoid costly pitfalls.

...

Schwartz Laser Eye Center

Don’t miss the action with this game-changing procedure

PHOENIX -- The clear lens exchange procedure has emerged as a popular alternative to LASIK eye surgery.

Arizona political expert: Donald Trump let Kamala Harris off easy on immigration issue