Andre Carson & Democratic Katherine Clark Press Conference
Congressman Andre Carson & Democratic Katherine Clark Press Conference
Congressman Andre Carson & Democratic Katherine Clark Press Conference
Indianapolis, IN — Praise Indy’s Tina Cosby moderated a significant town hall and press conference featuring local and national leaders Congressman Andre Carson and Democratic White Kathrine Clark in an event that blended public policy discussion with sharp critiques of current political and scientific challenges.
The speakers tackled everything from public safety to medical misinformation and voting rights, while also confronting the political realities facing Hoosiers and the nation.
The town hall had been in development for years, according to one of the Andre Carson. While both speakers have long shared a professional relationship — as neighbors, workout partners, and collaborators — the timing finally aligned due to overlapping schedules and recent developments.
“We’ve been in talks for years now about her coming… and finally, we were able to make this happen,”
Carson shared.
The timing and location were intentional. With Clark in the Midwest handling personal matters, both agreed that the time was right.
They emphasized the need for public forums in moments of heightened national tension, especially on issues like healthcare, democracy, and scientific integrity.
Town halls have evolved in format.
Due to recent death threats, including one incident involving a person targeting the Capitol with an Carsons name on their vehicle, traditional in-person town halls have become security risks.
Virtual events have become the norm, allowing for broader reach and safer participation.
“Whatever it is about that term [‘town hall’], it sparks a lot of people,”
Carson explained.
Despite these challenges, officials highlighted their ongoing community engagement through labor chats, meetings with immigrant groups, and public forums—though not always labeled as “town halls” due to security concerns.
When asked about repeated themes in public questions, the speakers confirmed that issues such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid remain top of mind. While some questions vary in wording, the core concerns are consistent.
A particularly heated exchange focused on the ongoing spread of vaccine misinformation, including false claims linking vaccines to autism.
Clark strongly refuted such claims:
“Autism has been studied and documented, and this connection to vaccines has been completely debunked.”
She condemned what they described as an attack on science by officials within the Department of Health and Human Services and called for renewed support for NIH research and scientific innovation.
The discussion shifted to broader political strategy as panelists addressed ongoing threats to democracy.
Referencing Senator Cory Booker’s 25-hour filibuster and the “Fighting Oligarchy Tour” by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders, speakers emphasized the need for nontraditional tactics.
“We cannot use the same keys to unlock the same door,”
Carson noted. The urgency to reclaim a Democratic majority was as vital part of the conversation on reversing far-right policies.
Another major topic was the legal scrutiny facing Harvard University and similar institutions.
Panelists criticized actions they say are politically motivated and threaten academic freedom and research funding.
“When you attack Harvard… you are also cutting off one of the most dynamic and powerful economic drivers in our country,”
said Clark, warning of the long-term impact on innovation and global competitiveness.
Addressing concerns about a potential primary challenge, Carson noted the frequent presence of national Democratic figures in Indiana, including President Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, and Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
“Anyone is welcome to run,”
Carson said, while also pushing back against suggestions that key figures are absent or disengaged.
The event concluded with a question about the future of Black history in the U.S.
“It deeply concerns me,”
Carson responded, warning of a
“deliberate attempt to dismantle and reframe Black identity, Black stories, and especially Black history.”
You Can Watch The Full Press Conference Below!
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