A technical malfunction on the aircraft forced the crew of Air Force Two to return to Joint Base Andrews only 30 minutes into the flight.
What We Know:
- According to Kamala Harris’ spokesperson, Symone Sanders, the crew noticed the landing gear was not storing properly. The issue was not immediate but could have caused problems later on in the flight so the plane backtracked and landed safely. “I’m good, I’m good. We said a little prayer, but we’re good,” Harris said after landing.
- Harris boarded another plane an hour and a half later to continue her first international trip as Vice President. She is headed to Guatemala and Mexico to discuss the surge of migrants seeking asylum in the United States.
I’m here in Guatemala City for my first international trip as Vice President. I look forward to meeting with President @DrGiammattei and community leaders. pic.twitter.com/HHCWRt2zBi
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) June 7, 2021
- Harris’ trip is scheduled to last two days. It is the start of the Biden Administration‘s hope to stem the migrations from Central America and Mexico, something previous administrations have struggled to achieve.
- She is set to meet with political leaders, NGOs, people in the private sector, and justice advocates. This is a different approach that Andrew Selee, president of the Migration Policy Institute, argues is ideal, “She can’t just go down and deliver an announcement of aid. She also has to be seen as listening to people, because if the strategy in Central America is going to work, there has to be a two-way dialogue open with people who are working for change there.”
With the trip back on schedule, Harris’ skills as a politician are now going to be tested.
