Vice President Kamala Harris has pledged to federally decriminalize marijuana as part of her broader criminal justice reform agenda during her presidential campaign. This commitment comes amidst scrutiny regarding her past as San Francisco’s district attorney and California’s attorney general, where her policies faced criticism from both conservatives and progressives.
During a recent town hall-style interview with radio host Charlamagne tha God, Harris sought to address concerns about her perceived detachment from criminal justice issues. The vice president quickly shifted the discussion to clarify her stance, asserting that her disciplined approach to speaking is a strength, in contrast to the more unstructured style attributed to former President Donald Trump.
Harris emphasized her judicial experience, framing the race as one between a “prosecutor” and a “felon,” referencing Trump’s multiple felony charges. She defended her history as a prosecutor, highlighting her efforts to combat various crimes, while also addressing critiques regarding her past decisions, such as her support for strict truancy laws and her opposition to an independent review system for police use of force.
One of the main allegations posed by Charlamagne pertained to her legacy of targeting Black men for marijuana-related offenses. Harris rejected this narrative and discussed her commitment to reducing penalties for marijuana possession, underscoring the disproportionate impact on Black communities. She promised to pursue federal decriminalization of marijuana if elected, aiming to rectify injustices related to the drug’s enforcement.
Furthermore, Harris criticized Trump’s proposed law enforcement policies, which have been linked to excessive force and racial profiling. She warned against his support for “stop and frisk” tactics, stating their detrimental effects on the Black community.
On the campaign trail, Harris has also released an “Opportunity Agenda for Black Men,” detailing plans for decriminalizing marijuana, fostering cryptocurrency use, and offering forgivable loans for Black entrepreneurs. Despite her connection to the Black electorate, recent polls indicate a decline in support compared to the 2020 elections, highlighting challenges as her campaign progresses.