Kamala Harris has expressed her willingness to explore the idea of reparations for slavery and has concurred with claims that Donald Trump’s vision aligns with fascism during an extensive interview with radio host Charlamagne Tha God on Tuesday. As the race for the presidency tightens just weeks before Election Day, Harris emphasized her commitment to winning and focused on her outreach to Black voters, particularly Black men.
In the Detroit interview, Harris stated that while the concept of reparations for the descendants of enslaved individuals needs to be studied, she has not fully committed to a specific reparations plan. She highlighted her previous support as a U.S. senator for a federal commission to investigate slavery reparations.
Agreeing with Charlamagne’s characterisation of Trump’s vision as fascism, Harris framed the upcoming election as a choice between progressive leadership and a regressive approach under Trump. This interaction underscored her stance on Trump’s rhetoric, which critics argue is extremist.
Harris reiterated her advocacy for nationwide legalization of recreational marijuana and emphasized the need for equal opportunities for Black entrepreneurs in the industry. She addressed criticism regarding her past prosecutorial decisions related to marijuana, asserting her commitment to decriminalization and recognizing the disproportionate impact of drug laws on certain communities.
Defending her record on issues affecting Black voters, Harris attributed misconceptions about her commitment to the community to “mis- and disinformation.” She pointed to her achievements in advocating for funding for historically Black colleges, healthcare improvements, and initiatives to address Black maternal mortality. She also discussed her campaign proposals, which include financial support for first-time home buyers and forgivable loans for Black entrepreneurs.
In a lighter moment, Harris complimented Maya Rudolph’s portrayal of her on “Saturday Night Live,” emphasizing the importance of humor in political culture. She brushed aside criticism about her adherence to key talking points, asserting that clarity on her beliefs is essential for the electorate.