Kamala Harris raises $27 million at One New York event

US Vice President Kamala Harris reached a major fundraising milestone on Sunday, raising $27 million at a packed event in New York City, her largest haul since dethroning Joe Biden as the Democratic presidential nominee.

The cash injection comes as she prepares to face stiff competition from well-funded outside organizations that supported former President Donald Trump, according to a campaign official who spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press.

The extravagant fundraiser took place at Cipriani Wall Street, a lavish venue adorned with towering Greek-style columns.

During her speech, Harris criticized Trump and his reluctance to participate in further debates.

“My opponent seems to be looking for an excuse,” she told a rapt audience. “I feel very strongly that we owe it to the American people, to the voters, to meet one more time before Election Day.”

Trump has dismissed the idea of ​​additional debates, saying at a rally in Wilmington, North Carolina, that “it’s just too late.” Early voting has already begun in several states. Voters in Minnesota, South Dakota and Virginia cast their first in-person ballots last week.

In addition to her fundraising success, Harris also announced that she plans to give a speech on Wednesday outlining her economic vision, emphasizing the need for greater investment in the aspirations of the American public.

She highlighted pressing issues such as the rising cost of home ownership and ever-increasing prices for groceries, saying, “I grew up as a middle-class kid and I will never forget where I came from.”

By focusing on her economic agenda, Harris aims to address a key concern among voters, especially as inflation has risen during Biden’s presidency.

The strategy could also help her distance herself from the president’s economic record, which Trump has criticized for its lack of detailed policy proposals.

Harris has indicated that she is committed to tax cuts for the middle class and higher taxes on the wealthy and corporations.

Notably, she has embraced Trump’s proposal to eliminate the tip tax, but she plans to limit the benefit to low- and middle-income earners.

She also criticized Trump’s plans for high import tariffs, saying they would unnecessarily raise consumer prices.

Recent polls from the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research show that neither Harris nor Trump has a decisive advantage on economic issues. About 40 percent of registered voters believe Trump would do a better job on the economy, while a similar percentage support Harris. About 10 percent of voters distrust either candidate.

As the election approaches, economic issues remain paramount. Some 80 percent of voters cite the economy as an important factor in their decision-making, far outweighing issues like health care and crime.

This article contains reporting from The Associated Press