Kamala Harris Visits Throwback Brewery in NH: Live Coverage

NORTH HAMPTON — Vice President Kamala Harris will speak today at Throwback Brewery at Hobbs Farm, making her first appearance in New Hampshire as the Democratic presidential candidate.

Harris last visited the Seacoast in February 2019, when he drew a large crowd at South Church in Portsmouth as a candidate in the New Hampshire presidential primary.

Now she returns as the favorite to win the state, trailing former President Donald Trump by seven points in the last two New Hampshire polls. The state’s four electoral votes could make all the difference in what is expected to be a close election in November.

Follow our live coverage here:

Throwback Brewery Prepares for Kamala Harris’ Arrival

Hours before Vice President Kamala Harris flew to New Hampshire, the Throwback Brewery in Hobbs Farm was preparing for the Democratic presidential candidate’s arrival.

A glass-encased podium sat in front of an American flag and a large sign that read “Opportunity Economy Supporting Small Business.” A sign that read “A New Way Forward” adorned the Throwback Brewery barn. Three stadium-style bleachers surrounded the field in front of the stage.

Harris is scheduled to arrive at Portsmouth International Airport at 1:35 p.m. Her speech at Throwback Brewery is scheduled to begin at 2:45 p.m. The event is ticketed and is full, according to a campaign official.

During the event, Harris will meet with the brewery’s co-founders, Annette Lee and Nicole Carrier, who will also deliver a keynote address.

Also speaking at the small business event were Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan and Representative Chris Pappas, all Democrats from New Hampshire.

Guests could enjoy two food trucks, Ben and Jerry’s and Kona’s Ice. Additionally, specialty drinks from Throwback Brewery were available: “Kamala Phenomenon” (lemonade) and “Coach” (unsweetened iced tea).

-Margie Cullen

Harris to talk about tax breaks for small businesses starting out

Harris is expected to propose a tax break aimed at helping entrepreneurs cover the costs of starting a small business. She also plans to outline how she plans to pay for the proposal.

USA TODAY reported that if elected, Harris would seek to increase the small business tax credit from $5,000 to $50,000 for new businesses, according to a campaign adviser for the Democratic nominee.

He will also propose the creation of a small business expansion fund to help community banks and community development financial institutions earn interest and encourage them to invest in underserved areas.

-Francesca Chambers

More: Harris to Propose $50K in Small Business Tax Credit as Part of Economic Plan

Throwback Brewery at Hobbs Farm, a hub of political activity for the day

Dozens of Harris-Tim Walz ticketed workers and media were bused from Water Country in neighboring Portsmouth early Thursday morning, the designated campaign rally site for hours before the vice president’s event. The buses circled the brewery, whose perimeter was blocked by New Hampshire Department of Transportation trucks, and dropped off reporters on Hobbs Road. Lugging laptops, cameras and filming equipment, the reporters walked about a half-mile down Hobbs Road to the brewery, where they were met by a heavy U.S. Secret Service presence. Along the short walk, two campaign signs were spotted facing each other on opposite sides of the road. On one side were signs supporting former U.S. President Donald Trump, opposite signs supporting Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. One of the Harris-Walz tickets took aim at Trump’s longtime slogan: “Love, not hate, makes America great.”

-Ian Lenahan