AFSCME President Lee Saunders on Thursday slammed Donald Trump for attacking Kamala Harris’ identity. Trump made his remarks during an appearance before the National Association of Black Journalists in Chicago on Wednesday. Here is Saunders’ statement in full:
“I have two mixed-race grandchildren. And like the vast majority of African Americans in this country, I have ancestors who weren’t Black. Donald Trump’s comments yesterday about Vice President Kamala Harris’ heritage are foolish, ignorant and divisive.
“Furthermore, they are a distraction from the issues that matter in this campaign. Americans deserve a conversation about who will fight for working families trying to build a better life. Expanding our freedoms, creating economic opportunity, building strong communities — these are the values and aspirations that unite people of all races and backgrounds. Donald Trump doesn’t want to have that conversation because he has no plan to empower working people, who are the backbone of our country.
“I am proud to live in a multiracial nation and even prouder to be a part of a multiracial family. And I will spend the next three months helping elect a multiracial president in Kamala Harris who is committed to good jobs, fair wages, affordable health care and retirement security — for everyone.”