Maryland Governor Wes Moore on “Face the Nation,” Sept. 15, 2024

The following is a transcript of an interview with Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, a Democrat, on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” that aired on Sept. 15, 2024.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore recently addressed the challenges posed by the ongoing migrant crisis in an interview. In discussions about local community impacts, Moore reacted to comments made by Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, who stated that discussions regarding the strain on communities from migrant populations should not be automatically labeled as racist. Moore emphasized that such remarks often carried inaccuracies and subtle implications that could mislead the public.

Moore highlighted the importance of cooperation between local elected officials and the federal government, saying that these leaders have direct insight into the needs and concerns of their constituents. He noted that a Republican mayor acknowledged the necessity of treating the issue as non-partisan, suggesting that effective solutions come from collaborative efforts rather than political rhetoric.

When asked if the Harris campaign should increase its focus on the federal government’s responsibilities regarding aiding local communities dealing with migration, Moore agreed. He pointed out that Congress must step up its efforts, referencing a bipartisan border deal that fell through due to political interference. He criticized both Donald Trump and Vance for pushing political talking points instead of providing workable solutions to address the crisis.

Moore also acknowledged that while local issues are serious, there is a need for empathy and communication between state and federal leaders. He mentioned ongoing discussions with the White House about the challenges Maryland faces and expressed his satisfaction with the administration’s willingness to partner on solutions. He further affirmed that Vice President Harris has fostered meaningful connections with local leaders to address the root causes affecting communities across the nation.

During the interview, the governor was questioned about the Harris campaign’s outreach to Black voters, especially after recent polling indicated a substantial shift among young Black men towards supporting Republican candidates. Moore attributed this shift not to disillusionment with Harris or the Democratic Party but rather to frustrations over the slow pace of progress in societal issues, particularly economic disparities. He shared his own experiences in Maryland, where systemic inequalities continue to create a significant racial wealth gap.

Moore reflected on the historical context that has shaped these disparities, noting that while he is only the third African American governor in U.S. history, the challenges facing Black communities are profound and deeply rooted in policy failures. He emphasized the need for younger voters to recognize that while there is skepticism around the Democratic approach, finding a viable alternative in Donald Trump may not lead to effective solutions.

As the conversation shifted to military affairs, Moore was asked to respond to a statement made by Vice President Harris regarding the absence of active-duty military personnel in combat zones. He clarified that while her comment was misleading, it underscored a need for better support and recognition for military personnel. Moore stressed the importance of caring for service members not only during deployments but also upon their return home, highlighting efforts made under the current administration to enhance veterans’ services.

In discussing veterans’ care, Moore pointed out the complexities surrounding potential privatization of veteran services proposed by some legislators. He argued that ensuring adequate support for soldiers and their families should be the priority, echoing the commitment of the Harris campaign to uphold these values.

In his closing remarks, Moore conveyed gratitude for the opportunity to share insights on pressing issues, reaffirming the crucial role of dialogue and partnership in tackling the challenges faced by local communities and the nation as a whole.