As the debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump approaches, Harris has been seen utilizing Howard University’s facilities on campus.
Her recent appearances at Howard have led some to theorize she is using her alma mater as a base of operations to prepare for the Tuesday, Sept. 10 debate. However, the university operational team nor the Harris-Walz campaign has confirmed.
On Aug. 27, Harris and her team caught the attention of some students and faculty on campus as her motorcade drove along W Street NW outside the College of Dentistry building and made a left onto Georgia Avenue NW.
The unexpected visit caused a stir on campus, with several students surprised by the sudden cancellation of their classes.
Zoe Hairston, a junior psychology major from Jackson, Mississippi, was on campus when Harris was there.
“I only knew she was on campus because I had a Spanish class in this building and they told us we couldn’t come in,” Hairston said.
Hairston said a member of Harris’ team came from a research building and told Hairston it would be occupied.
“One of the guys came out with her team and told us we’d have a better chance of seeing her [Harris] at 6 o’clock,” she said.
She saw Harris later that evening and said that seeing the vice president, an alumna of her school, reaffirmed her belief that she was on the right path by attending Howard University.
“I was filled with pride,” she said.
Dr. Bridget Rhodes, an assistant professor at Howard University’s College of Dentistry and a Class of ‘93 Howard graduate, reported seeing Vice President Harris on campus twice.
Rhodes was waiting to see the vice president outside for about 40 minutes.
“I am absolutely excited, beyond belief. This is so historical. I live for this moment,” she said.
She also commented on the importance of Harris’ return to campus and her potential use of Howard’s facilities to prepare for the upcoming debate.
“When I was born, Black people couldn’t even vote, so… I take this very personally,” Rhodes said. “I will probably never see this again… I’m going to live this moment to the absolute fullest.”
While her presence on campus has not been officially linked to debate preparation, in an emailed statement to The Hilltop on Aug. 16 Lydia Sermons, vice president and chief communications officer, confirmed that Harris’ team has rented Howard University facilities, including Cramton Auditorium, for campaign purposes.
“Vice President Kamala Harris has been present on Howard University’s campus at Cramton Auditorium over the past week. Cramton Auditorium is available for contractual rental arrangements by external parties based on market rate,” she said. “The 2020 and current use of the auditorium by Vice President Harris was reserved and paid for by external parties in compliance with the University’s rental policy for this facility.”
Glen Sisk, a sports broadcast journalist who covers debates, said, “Any debate is crucial for Harris. She must win them. If she performs well, I believe she’ll win the presidency. However, a poor showing could cost her…”
Nicholas Johnson, a seasoned coach and judge for the Chicago High School Debate League, said, “It might be that she is recruiting individuals to help her theorize potential questions the moderator might ask and the proper responses to those questions.”
Johnson explained that being on a college campus is an ideal opportunity for Harris to test her responses and gauge their impact on young voters.
“There is also the possibility that she is attempting to gauge how a target demographic, young college students, respond to how she answers the questions,” he said.
Johnson said ensuring her message resonates with college voters involves addressing issues that matter most to young people.
Brooke Springfield is a senior majoring in political science with a double minor in international affairs and strategic legal management communications. She is also a member of Harris’ sorority and chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and shared her personal thoughts on what she wanted to hear from Harris during the debate, not speaking on behalf of her sorority.
“The economy is a major concern on both sides. The overturning of Roe v. Wade means that women’s health and access to health care are still critical topics. Foreign policy, gun violence, and housing are significant issues that the younger generation, in particular, is closely monitoring and paying a lot of attention to,” the Louisville, Kentucky native said.
Springfield also shared her own theory on why Harris is using Howard facilities, suggesting reasons that are much more sentimental.
“This is her home! She has spoken many times about how Howard has made her into the woman she is today. It’s an environment where she feels safe,’ she said. “It’s important that she feels appreciated, welcomed, and loved, and to witness the people and students she is touching.”
Copy edited by Camiryn Stepteau
