U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris attended a rally in Arizona where she gave her first detailed speech on immigration. According to the Associated Press, using her experience as a former attorney general of California, Harris highlighted her fight against transnational gangs, drug cartels and smugglers, reinforcing her credibility to address the issue of border security. She criticized former President Donald Trump for failing to effectively solve the immigration problem, accusing him of using the issue only as political rhetoric.

Harris' visit to Arizona is part of a larger strategy by Democrats to win swing states, especially in the Sun Belt, where electoral contests are traditionally close. The choice of Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota, as his new running mate was an attempt to appeal to Midwestern voters who had moved to Arizona.

Harris' speech emphasized themes such as safety, voting rights, LGBT rights and access to abortion, particularly resonating with voters concerned about school safety and personal freedom. The rally drew a significant crowd and generated support from independent and Democratic voters, although some expressed a preference for other names within the party, according to the publication.

Arizona, historically a Republican state, has become more competitive for Democrats, especially after the recent victories of Joe Biden and Mark Kelly. Trump's combative approach and polarizing stance appear to have alienated some of the Republican electorate, opening space for Democrats to consolidate their lead in the state. However, Harris' visit was not without its challenges, including protests related to the Israeli-Hamas conflict, indicating the political complexities facing the vice president.

The article illustrates Harris' attempt to consolidate her position and attract voters in a crucial state, using her experience in security and justice to address sensitive and critical issues, amid a highly competitive political landscape.