PHOENIX — With the election just around the corner and the political climate heating up in Arizona, U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly has made his positions clear on a variety of issues.
Kelly appeared with NBC’s Kristen Welker on a “Meet the Press” segment that aired Sunday morning. The two discussed Arizona’s pressing political topics, including pro-Palestinian protests, the recent abortion repeal, and the southern border crisis.
pro-Palestinian protests
Protests at Arizona State University and the University of Arizona resulted in violence, police intervention, and several arrests.
“Some of these protests have been very violent,” Kelly told Welker. “Everyone has the right to peacefully protest. If it constitutes an illegal act…it is appropriate for the police to intervene.”
Although demonstrations have intensified in Arizona and on other college campuses across the country, Kelly doesn’t think the National Guard will be called in.
“I don’t think that’s going to happen and I hope it doesn’t happen. I want kids to be safe on college campuses,” Kelly said in an interview. “I want Jewish students to be able to take classes and receive an education. I don’t want to see protesters vandalizing property on campus or engaging in other illegal acts. do not have.”
Mr Kelly highlighted concerns about the rise in anti-Semitism and said legislation was in the works to combat the problem.
The Arizona senator also gave insight into his decision to support the $15 billion military aid package for Israel that Congress passed last week.
“October 7th was an unprecedented event for Israel. I mean, they have not had such an attack from a terrorist group,” Kerry said. “It was brutal. It was barbaric and Israel has every right to respond in an appropriate manner, trying to deal with this terrorist organization that is literally embedded in a tunnel.”
But Kerry said Israel needs to do a better job of protecting the lives of Palestinian civilians.
“I have discussed this specifically with Israeli Ambassador Michael Herzog, and if we don’t see some change, I think it would be appropriate to put conditions on some of this aid,” Kerry said.
Abortion Rights in Arizona
On Thursday, Gov. Katie Hobbs signed a repeal of the state’s 1864 abortion ban. While this news is a big step for women’s rights activists in Arizona, Kelly feels it’s just the beginning for the country.
“We have a chance in November,” Kelly said, alluding to the choice between Donald Trump and President Joe Biden. “What we really need is a national law that codifies women’s right to make these decisions.”
Kelly also said he supports eliminating the filibuster to enact Roe v. Wade into law.
southern border crisis
Mr. Kerry acknowledged the difficulty in reaching agreement on a solution to the southern border crisis.
“This is probably the most frustrating thing I’ve faced during my tenure in my entire adult life,” he said.
He talked about how the bipartisan border security bill failed because of “one person”: former President Donald Trump.
“Democrats, Republicans, and the administration, including the Secretary of Homeland Security, are collaborating on a plan to provide more Border Patrol agents, more (Customs and Border Protection) agents, and more machines to detect fentanyl.” “I did,” Kelly said.
Today, Kelly said he supports President Biden’s executive actions to address border issues.
Republican Senate candidate Kari Lake’s “Glock strap” comment
In a campaign speech to a crowd in Mohave County in April, Kari Lake said: Also, keep a Glock strap on our side just in case. ”
“Kari Lake’s words can hurt and kill people,” Kelly said. “When you’re a U.S. Senate candidate, you have to be careful with your words. We’ve seen this throughout history.”
Mr. Kerry emphasized the importance of promoting peace, especially as political tensions increase in the run-up to elections.
“What we need are people in elected office who want to lead this country in a better direction. They accept the results of the election and don’t use words that incite their supporters. People who don’t use it. America doesn’t need people like that.” The senator is comfortable using that language,” Kelly said.
