NORTH HAMPTON — Vice President Kamala Harris spoke Wednesday at Throwback Brewery at Hobbs Farm, appearing in New Hampshire as the Democratic presidential nominee for the first time.
Harris last visited the Seacoast in February 2019, drawing anoverflow crowd to Portsmouth's South Churchas a candidate in the New Hampshire presidential primary.
She returned as the favorite to win the state, leading former president Donald Trumpby seven pointsin the two latest New Hampshire polls. The state's four electoral college votes could be important in what is expected to be a tight election in November.
Here are highlights from her appearance:
Kamala Harris rolls out plan to help small businesses, explains how she'll pay for it
Harris said she intends to lower the cost of starting a small business and make access to capital easier for everyday Americans by expanding the tax deduction for start ups to $50,000.
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"It's essentially a tax cut for starting a small business," she said.
Harris said she was also laying out an "ambitious" goal of 25 million new small businesses by the end of her first term.
Her administration would focus on small businesses in rural communities, she said, saying the plan would benefit communities in New Hampshire.
Harris rolled out the proposals during a visit to Throwback Brewery in North Hampton. Harris said she would seek to make "the tax code more fair, while also prioritizing investment and innovation."
"I support a billionaire minimum tax and corporations paying their fair share," she said. "And while we ensure that the wealthy and big corporations pay their fair share, we will tax capital gains at a rate that rewards investment in America's innovators, founders and small businesses."
Harris said anyone who earns $1 million or more will pay a 28% tax on their long-term capital-gains. She said the plan would encourage investment, help facilitate job creation and make the economy stronger.
She hit former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, in the speech, arguing his plans would add more than $5 trillion to the national debt.
Karoline Leavitt, national press secretary for Trump, responded with a statement: “Dangerously Liberal Kamala Harris’ budget would add another $52 trillion to the gross national deficit by 2034 or $1.7 trillion every year over the next decade. Harris’ budget also includes a $4.9 trillion tax hike — the largest tax hike in history — which would cost each American family almost $36,000. .... Families are already struggling to afford gas and groceries, and the Harris budget is sure to make matters worse for hardworking Americans.”
- Francesca Chambers
Harris says capital gains tax plan would boost 'broad-based economic growth'
While rolling out her small business plan, Harris said she will also “make the tax code more fair.”
“Billionaires and corporations must pay their fair share of taxes,” she said. “Those who can most afford it are often paying a lower tax rate than our teachers and our nurses and our fire fighters.”
Harris said her plan to tax capital gains would reward "investment in American innovators and small business.”
Under her capital gains tax plan, those who earn a million dollars a year or more would be taxed 28% on their long term capital gains.
“We know when the government encourages investment it leads to broad-based economic growth and it creates jobs, which makes our economy stronger,” she said.
-Margie Cullen
Harris on school shootings: 'It needs to stop'
Vice President Kamala Harris said during a campaign rally at Throwback Brewery in North Hampton that it is "outrageous" parents have to worry about whether their children will come home alive. She was commenting following a shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia on Wednesday morning. It was later reported two students and two teachers were killed and a 14-year-old was arrested.
"We're still gathering information about what happened. But we know that there were multiple fatalities and injuries," Harris said. "Our hearts are with all the students, the teachers and the families, of course. And we are grateful to the first responders and law enforcement that were on the scene. But this is just a senseless tragedy on top of so many senseless tragedies."
Harris said it "doesn't have to be this way" and it needs to stop. "We have to end this epidemic of gun violence in our country once and for all," she said.
Gun violence prevention is an issue Harris has focused on in her time as vice president, and she said it is one of the issues at stake in the presidential election.
- Francesca Chambers
News of Georgia school shooting stuns NH crowd
Internet connectivity was limited at Thursday’s event, as dictated by security. Crowd members audibly gasped and expressed sadness when Harris addressed the shooting in Georgia, as it’s likely she broke the news to many in the crowd.
Brentwood resident Annmarie Hussey, an attendee at Wednesday's event, grew up in England and never experienced active shooter drills in school. She was unaware of the Georgia shooting.
“It’s a really important issue to me,” Hussey said of gun violence.
-Margie Cullen and Ian Lenahan
Kamala Harris continues to emphasize role as 'underdog'
Harris walked out to Beyoncé’s “Freedom,” a staple of her campaign that abruptly launched overnight in July after President Joe Biden’s departure from the race. Despite momentum in the polls, Harris called her campaign the “underdog” between the two on Wednesday.
“Hard work can be joyful work and we’re up to the task,” she told the crowd. “With your help, we will win in November.”
- Ian Lenahan
Harris warns of danger of Trump in office with 'no consequences'
Harris attacked Trump and the Supreme Court’s decision on immunity, saying he has “openly vowed to be a dictator on day 1.”
She said in part because of this decision, “the stakes are even higher” than in the 2020 or 2016 election because he has been told he “has no consequences.”
She warned the crowd of a Trump with “no guardrails,” saying he wants to end the Department of Justice and get rid of the Constitution.
"Let us be very clear: someone who suggests we should terminate the Constitution of the United States of America should never again stand behind the seal of the President of the United States. Never again," she said.
-Margie Cullen and Francesca Chambers
Throwback Brewery co-owner says Biden-Harris administration has helped the business
Nicole Carrier, co-owner and co-founder of Throwback Brewery, introduced Harris Wednesday in North Hampton. The beer brewing operation, now located on a 12-acre property alongside a farm with a hop yard and animals including donkeys, chickens, pigs and goats, initially opened across the street in a warehouse in 2011.
On July 1, 2015, Throwback opened its existing brewery location. Since then, the business has received federal relief funding during the coronavirus pandemic and a grant to install solar panels on its property, which will soon include a climate battery system.
Flanked by the business’ co-founder and co-owner Annette Lee and head chef Carrie Dahlgren, Carrier said the brewery is one business that has received support from the Biden-Harris administration. Throwback Brewery hasn’t waded into the world of political endorsem*nts previously, but this moment in history was too large to sit out, Carrier said.
“She’s smart, she’s confident and she leads from a place of goodness, which is really what we care about most,” Carrier said of Harris. “As president, she’ll build an ‘opportunity economy’ that is truly focused on the middle class.”
Carrier dubbed Harris’ ascent to the Democratic presidential nomination as part of a “femininomenon,” a popular catchphrase from pop icon Chappell Roan’s song of the same name.
“It’s not really a choice to us. It’s a no-brainer,” Carrier said of choosing Harris over Trump.
- Ian Lenahan
Kamala Harris visits Port City Pretzels
Harris is stopped by another local small business, Port City Pretzels in Portsmouth, before leaving New Hampshire.
She entered the factory shortly after 4:30 p.m. and greeted owner Suzanne Foley. “So nice to meet you,” Harris said as they shook hands, according to a White House pool report.
Harris spent time talking with the owner and the owner’s daughter and co-owner Eileen Marousek.
“Is it family recipe?” Harris asked at one point. “Is it a secret family recipe?”
The owner replied “it’s not really, no” — but was clearly thrilled to have the vice president in her factory, according to the pool report.
New Hampshire's congressional delegation of Sens. Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen, and Reps. Annie Kuster and Chris Pappas, joined Harris at Port City Pretzels.
Heat took toll on some in audience
The heat took a toll on some attendees with temperatures around 80 degrees and direct sunlight.
Spirits are high despite the heat, though the event’s emcee was frequently reminding everyone to stay hydrated.
Emergency medics were active and tended to some in the crowd. Local fire departments, including from nearby Rye and Greenland, were positioned around the property. Some attendees were wheeled out to waiting ambulances.
Harris’ campaign staffers are weaving in and out of the crowd with cases of water bottles and Gatorade, even chucking some up to members of the media on risers opposite the stage.
Reporters, television and print news crews working behind the risers are ducking the heat, sticking their heads and laptops under a tarp to stay cool in the shadows.
-Ian Lenahan
Crowd keeps up energy awaiting Harris
Local guests of note filed to the front of the audience, including Portsmouth City Manager Karen Conard and Portsmouth Assistant Mayor Joanna Kelley.
A brief lull ensued, but the crowd remains enthused, dancing along to “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” and a recent remix of Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” with Pitbull. Interpreters are signing every word for guests in the bleachers.
The vast majority in the audience were on their feet waiting for the Democratic presidential nominee.
- Ian Lenahan
Kamala Harris lands at Portsmouth airport at Pease in NH
Air Force Two was wheels down at Portsmouth International Airport at Pease in New Hampshire, at 1:36 p.m., according to the latest White House pool report.
Harris deplaned at 1:53 p.m., emerging to cheers and a round of applause from the greeters. At the bottom of the stair truck, she gave Rep. Annie Kuster a hug. Harris shook hands and spoke with the other greeters for a couple minutes.
The greeter list from the White House names Kuster, state Sen. Donna Soucy, Senate minority leader; state Rep. Matthew Wilhelm, House minority leader; Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern; William “Billy” Shaheen, Dover lawyer and spouse of Sen. Jeanne Shaheen; Stefany Shaheen, daughter of Sen. Shaheen; Col. Nelson E. Perron, commander of the 157th Air Refueling Wing and Chief Master Sgt. Kevin C. Reiter, command chief of the 157th.
Harris got into a black motorcade SUV at 1:57 p.m. without responding to a shouted question about the Georgia school shooting, although she’s expected to address it in her remarks at the event at the brewery coming up, per a Harris campaign official.
Harris briefed on Georgia school shooting before flying to NH
Vice President Kamala Harris was briefed on a shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, prior to her departing Joint Base Andrews for New Hampshire, according to the White House. The shooting occurred Wednesday morning and a suspect was in custody with multiple people injured. She will receive regular updates, the White House stated.
Shaheen puts focus on abortion access
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen focused much of her speech on reproductive rights.
“Under a Harris presidency and with a Democratic-led Congress, we can restore the protections of Roe v. Wade,” she said to a huge applause.
When she criticized Trump’s comments that his administration would be great for women’s reproductive rights, chants of “we’re not going back” broke out.
“Does anyone here believe that Donald Trump will do anything good for women’s reproductive freedom?” she asked. “No, absolutely not.”
-Margie Cullen
Hassan touts Harris as candidate who helps middle class
Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-New Hampshire, stumped for Harris, her former colleague in the Senate.
Under a Harris-Walz administration, Hassan said, affordable housing supply would be expanded and taxes would be lowered for the nation’s middle class.
Reproductive freedom was also a point of emphasis for Hassan, who noted voters are just over 60 days away from casting ballots.
“We will not let freedom falter. With hopefulness, hard work and years of, joy… we will elect Kamala Harris as our next president,” Hassan said.
- Ian Lenahan
Pappas speaks up for Harris, takes shots at Republicans
Rep. Chris Pappas, who is seeking re-election to the U.S. House in New Hampshire's 1st District, spoke in support of Harris.
“I’m so proud that the vice president is here at one of my favorite local businesses, Throwback Brewery,” Pappas said. “They have great beer, great food, but most importantly they create community in the space.”
He added “small business is big business in New Hampshire and that’s why we need leaders like Kamala Harris who will prioritize our mainstream economy as the next president of the United States.”
Pappas also railed against “extreme Republicans” in Congress who he said fail to come up with solutions to help the economy, restrict abortion access, and turn back progress on climate change.
- Margie Cullen
First speaker plays to partisan Kamala Harris crowd
Benjamin Costa, a field organizer for the state’s Democratic campaign, came on stage shortly after 1:30 p.m.
The Portsmouth native walked on stage to Jennifer Lopez song “Let’s Get Loud” to speak from the protective enclosure set up for the day’s speakers.
“This election is a choice between two very different versions of the future,” he said.
Boos rang out at Costa’s mention of the Trump-Vance ticket as the organizer encouraged attendees to knock on doors and encourage support for the Harris-Walz ticket.
“The choice is clear. This year, we can elect a true champion for working families: Kamala Harris,” Costa said.
- Ian Lenahan
'Vote Like A Girl': Harris supporters wear their slogans proudly
Alison O’Brien, a social studies teacher from Auburn, New Hampshire, was seated hours ahead of the event in the grass directly in front of the stage where Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to speak. Prepared for the day, she brought her copy of Brit Bennett’s “The Vanishing Half” to read before the event.
Her shirt stated a clear mantra: “Vote Like A Girl.” Nearby, another attendee’s shirt made a statement: “This Grandma Votes Because Her Granddaughters Depend On It.”
One class O’Brien teaches is an advance placement African-American studies course, which she saw as a fitting coincidence as she waited for the first Black and South Asian vice president in the nation’s history.
“We’re very excited to be so close,” she said.
Newmarket resident Julia Sinclair, 57, walked in proudly wearing a shirt making a dig at comments from Trump’s Republican running mate, Ohio U.S. Sen. JD Vance, about “childless cat ladies” on the campaign trail.
Sinclair’s rebuttal? “Childless dog ladies for Kamala,” a recent purchase from Etsy.
Sinclair spoke about social media’s impact on the election and the instantaneous nature of viral moments from the 2024 campaign trail.
“I think it’s extremely important so people know what’s going on in real time,” she said.
- Ian Lenahan
Throwback Brewery co-owner says preparations for Harris arrival have been 'fascinating'
Throwback Brewery was notified Saturday the Harris campaign would be coming to New Hampshire this week and was scouting locations for her event, according to Nicole Carrier, who is co-owner along with Annette Lee.
The following day, the owners received word from the campaign in the afternoon that Throwback Brewery had been selected to be the Harris presidential campaign's site for its first New Hampshire appearance, roughly two months before the Nov. 5 election.
Since then, Carrier said, the planning and security operation at the brewery leading up to Harris’ visit has been nonstop, coming just weeks after an attempted assassination of former president Donald Trump in Pennsylvania.
“It was fascinating behind the scenes,” Carrier said Wednesday afternoon. “It’s absolutely been an education and mind-blowing.”
The crowd packed into the venue starting early Wednesday, with a heavy presence of Secret Service personnel and local police officers. New Hampshire Department of Transportation trucks lined the streets around the property.
- Ian Lenahan
'DJ MAM' keeps Harris crowd going at Throwback Brewery
Chloe Cataldo, known locally as “DJ MAM,” is a Dover resident who has previously been hired by Black Lives Matter New Hampshire and local LGBTQ+ advocacy groups to emcee events.
When the Harris campaign came calling, she immediately accepted the offer to host the vice president’s speech Throwback Brewery. Her charge Wednesday is to keep the largest crowd she’s ever emceed energized and on their feet in the hours prior to Harris’ remarks.
“Let’s keep that energy up! Let me see those signs! Let me see those placards!” she frequently yelled. Around her, Harris staffers yelled into megaphones to amp up the crowd as Cataldo called out section by section of attendees to cheer. Supporters responded each time, rising and holding their signs to the skies with applause and hollering.
Equally important on Cataldo’s list of responsibilities for the event were encouraging the crowd to stay hydrated and blasting song after song. And of course, she led the venue in a successful rendition of “The Wave,” a ballpark staple and crowd favorite.
The playlist was provided by Harris’ team to Cataldo. Loaded with upbeat tunes, the hits kept coming, with songs from Beyoncé, Tina Turner, Marvin Gaye, Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift, Stevie Wonder, Bad Bunny, Aretha Franklin and more.
“I’m excited to be here and humbled to be asked to be here,” Cataldo said. “Hopefully in November, we can send the vice president to the White House.”
- Ian Lenahan
Spirited crowd awaits Kamala Harris
The stands are filled and Harris staffers are handing out signs reading “Opportunity Economy” and “A New Way Forward.”
The crowd is buzzing, with cheers from the filled stands at the back of the venue drowning out Chaka Khan’s “Ain’t Nobody” playing aloud.
“I think the back of the crowd is louder than the front,” the event’s emcee just observed.
- Ian Lenahan
Harris boards Air Force Two for NH
Vice President Kamala Harris boarded Air Force Two at Joint Base Andrew in Maryland shortly after 12:10 p.m. and was expected to take off soon thereafter, bound for Portsmouth International Airport at Pease., according to the White House. Her landing time in New Hampshire was estimated as 1:35 p.m..
Women supporting Harris for reproductive rights and for their grandchildren
Judy Rogers and Diane Share of Stratham were wearing matching Rosie the Riveter shirts in the field right near the stage. It was Share’s first political rally, mostly because of a fear of crowds. But this year is different.
“This is in my back yard. I have grandchildren. This is so important to the future of our children, our families, our own life right now,” Share said. “I just want to see her elected. I’ll do what I have to do.”
Rogers is also motivated by her grandchildren.
“We’re tasked with leaving the world a better place than we found it,”Rogers said. “For my grandchildren to be able to live in a world of dignity and respect and education and safety, that’s why I’m here.”
Victoria Wood and Jean Manley sat in the stands. They wore matching pink and bedazzled "Kamala Harris for the People" shirts that they had made themselves to match their pink hats.
Wood, a 50-year-old resident of Londonderry, said she was a Republican until Trump came along. Manley was undecided in 2016. What changed both of their minds, they said, were women’s rights and reproductive rights.
“I don’t want my kids, grandkids, I don’t want them to have to worry about not having access to [reproductive rights],” Wood said.
They also wish to fight “the misogyny” they see in the country.
- Margie Cullen
Harris NH visit a surprise?
Multiple guests said they were surprised at first when they heard Harris was coming to New Hampshire.
New Hampshire has gone for the Democratic candidate the last few presidential elections. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates it as likely Democratic.
Peter Higgins thinks after the presidential primary, which President Joe Biden won as a write-in despite not being on the ballot over a dispute with the DNC, Harris needs to show New Hampshire is still important.
Meg Hebert said while New Hampshire hasn’t voted Republican for president in a while, she may be wanting to lock down support in the state.
On Tuesday, the Boston Globe reported the Trump campaign was shifting focus away from New Hampshire. But on Wednesday, Trump said on Jack Heath's New Hampshire radio show he will visit the state. He did not say when.
- Margie Cullen
Throwback Brewery prepares for Kamala Harris' arrival
Hours before Vice President Kamala Harris was due to land in New Hampshire today, Throwback Brewery at Hobbs Farm was preparing for the Democratic presidential nominee's arrival.
A podium surrounded by glass stood in front of an American flag and a large sign reading "Opportunity Economy Supporting Small Business.” A sign saying “A New Way Forward” decorated the Throwback Brewery barn. Three stadium stands surrounded a field in front of the stage.
Harris is expected to arrive at Portsmouth International Airport at 1:35 p.m. Her remarks at Throwback Brewery are expected to begin at 2:45 p.m. The event is ticketed and is at capacity, according to a campaign official.
At the event, Harris will meet with the brewery’s co-founders, Annette Lee and Nicole Carrier, who will also deliver remarks.
Also speaking at the small business event are Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan and Rep. Chris Pappas, all New Hampshire Democrats.
Two food trucks, a Ben and Jerry’s and a Kona’s Ice, were available to guests at the venue. Plus, some drinks from Throwback Brewery special to the day: “Kamala Phenomenon” (lemonade) and “Coach” (un-sweetened ice tea).
− Margie Cullen
New national poll:Low-income voters flocking to Kamala Harris over Donald Trump
Harris to talk tax breaks for small business startups
Harris isexpected to proposeatax breakintended to help entrepreneurs offset the costs of starting a small business. She also plans to outline how she intends to pay for the proposal.
USA TODAY reported Harris will push to increase the small business tax deduction from $5,000 to $50,000 for new companies if she's elected, a campaign adviser to the Democratic nominee said.
She'll also propose the creation of a small business expansion fund to help community banks and Community Development Financial Institutions make up interest and incentivize them to make investments in underserved areas.
− Francesca Chambers
More:Harris to propose $50K tax break for small business in economic plan
Throwback Brewery at Hobbs Farm center of political activity for day
Dozens of staffers with the Harris-Tim Walz ticket and members of the media were taken by bus from Water Country in neighboring Portsmouth early Wednesday morning, the campaign’s designated meeting spot hours prior to the Vice President’s event.
Buses looped around the brewery, the perimeter of which was blocked by New Hampshire Department of Transportation trucks, and dropped reporters off on Hobbs Road. Lugging laptops, cameras and filming equipment, journalists walked roughly a half mile up Hobbs Road to the brewery, where they were met by a heavy U.S. Secret Service presence.
Noticed along the short trek were dueling campaign signs facing each other from opposite sides of the road. On one side were signs in support of former President Donald Trump, perched across from signs advocating for Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
One Harris-Walz ticket took aim at Trump’s longtime slogan: “Love Not Hate Makes America Great.”
− Ian Lenahan
