In Detroit, Vice President Kamala Harris addressed concerns that the Democratic Party often takes Black voters for granted during a town hall event with prominent radio host Charlamagne tha God. During the session, Harris defended her record as a prosecutor, highlighted her policies aimed at benefiting Black voters, and labeled former President Donald Trump as a threat to democracy.
When Charlamagne suggested that Trump’s vision for the country could be characterized as fascism and asked why it couldn’t be explicitly called that, Harris agreed, saying, “Yeah, we can say that.” Her comments came at a crucial point in the campaign, as polls indicate she is struggling to secure the level of support from Black men that may be necessary to win the White House. Additionally, Trump has reportedly made gains among Black voters, raising concerns for Democrats in a historically tight election.
Former President Barack Obama recently pointed out in Pittsburgh that Harris is not generating the same enthusiasm among Black men, attributing this to a hesitation to vote for a woman. Additionally, during the town hall, a caller questioned Harris on why Democrats appear to criticize Black men, even as Trump gains support among other demographics. Harris addressed this by emphasizing the importance of reminding voters about the stakes involved in the election.
Harris also tackled misinformation regarding her record, dismissing claims of being overly scripted as a matter of discipline. She aimed to reclaim the narrative surrounding her record, asserting that her political adversaries have distorted her work on behalf of the Black community.
Highlighting the challenges of misinformation, Harris explained that it is designed to convince people to disregard her accomplishments and their significance. She accused opponents of attempting to instill fear, as they lack substantial platforms. Harris urged voters to ask Trump about his plans for Black America, as she promoted her own initiatives, such as forgivable loans for entrepreneurs, tax breaks for small businesses, assistance for first-time homebuyers, Medicare benefits for home care, and tax credits for low- and middle-income families, all aimed at aiding Black Americans.
Harris was questioned about her tenure as a prosecutor and allegations that, as San Francisco’s district attorney, she targeted thousands of Black men. She refuted these claims as false, portraying herself as a progressive prosecutor in California, especially on marijuana cases. She stated that she did not jail individuals for simple marijuana possession and promised to work on decriminalizing marijuana if elected president.
Addressing Trump’s criticism of her engagement with the Black church, Harris shared her experiences growing up attending the 23rd Avenue Church of God in Oakland, California. She contrasted her leadership values with those who commodify religious symbols, emphasizing genuine leadership through upliftment.
