Vice President Kamala Harris gave a fiery speech Friday that highlighted the meaning of democracy as action unfolded against the “Tennessee Three,” Democratic lawmakers who faced expulsion from the GOP-controlled statehouse for participating in an anti-violence protest with weapons.
Harris’ speech at Fisk University in Nashville followed Thursday’s State House vote impeaching two black state representatives, Justin Jones and Justin Pearson, for leading protesters in chants from the floor. But a third Democrat, state Rep. Gloria Johnson, who is white and also participated in the protests, held her seat by one vote.
The protests at the Capitol were in response to a school shooting last month in Nashville that left seven people dead, including three children and the gunman.
Harris said Friday that the US bill “is not about the trio” of Democrats. “It’s about the voices of those who channeled. Understand that.”
“And isn’t that what democracy allows? Democracy says, “Do not silence the people. Don’t suffocate people. Don’t silence them when they speak of the importance of life and liberty.'”
Watch part of Harris’ speech below:
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