DETROIT — Vice President Kamala Harris addressed concerns that Democrats may overlook Black voters during a recent town hall with popular radio host Charlamagne Tha God.
During the event, Harris defended her record as a prosecutor, highlighted her policies aimed at supporting Black communities, and labeled former President Donald Trump as a significant threat to democracy.
When Charlamagne referred to Trump’s vision for the nation as reminiscent of fascism, Harris affirmed, “Yeah, we can say that.” Her comments arrive at a critical juncture in the campaign, with polls indicating challenges in securing support from Black male voters, while Trump appears to be gaining ground among Black voters—raising concerns for Democrats in this tightly contested election.
This issue was echoed by former President Barack Obama, who noted the evident lack of enthusiasm for Harris, particularly among Black men, citing a reluctance to vote for a woman. When faced with a query about the perception that Democrats were alienating Black men while Trump garnered support from other demographic groups, Harris emphasized efforts to remind voters of the pivotal stakes involved.
Harris Tackles Misinformation and Defends Her Record
Harris rebuffed criticism of being overly scripted, framing her disciplined approach as a strength and contending that negative narratives regarding her record were skewed by political opponents. “One of the biggest challenges that I face is mis- and disinformation,” she stated, underscoring an effort to discredit false narratives about her work and achievements.
Harris reiterated her commitment to addressing the needs of Black Americans, detailing initiatives such as forgivable loans for entrepreneurs, tax breaks for small businesses, home purchasing assistance, expanded Medicare for home care, and tax credits for low- to middle-income families.
In response to critiques from opponents regarding her tenure as San Francisco’s district attorney, where she faced accusations of disproportionately prosecuting Black men, Harris affirmed, “Those claims are simply not true,” and recounted her progressive stance on marijuana cases, pledging to work towards its decriminalization if elected.
Harris also countered Trump’s criticism about her engagement with the Black church by reflecting on her upbringing within the church community. “True leadership is measured by who you lift up,” she stated, remarking on the difference between genuine community engagement and superficial actions aimed at manipulation.
