Harris Commits to Marijuana Decriminalization and Police Reform in Charlamagne Interview

Photo : Reuters

In a recent interview with radio host Charlamagne Tha God, U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris defended her record as a prosecutor while pledging to decriminalize marijuana and advocate for police reform. The interview aimed to strengthen her support among Black men, a demographic where her backing appears to have diminished compared to the 2020 election.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel 

Charlamagne, known for his candid style on his radio program "The Breakfast Club," has previously been critical of both Harris and President Joe Biden, even labeling Democrats as “cowards” for their handling of the case against Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. During their conversation, he pressed Harris on a rumor that she had disproportionately incarcerated Black men during her tenure as San Francisco's district attorney, a claim she firmly refuted. "It's just simply not true," Harris stated, asserting that she was recognized as “one of the most progressive prosecutors” on marijuana issues. She emphasized her commitment to decriminalizing marijuana, acknowledging the harmful impact of such laws on communities, particularly Black men.

Polling indicates that Harris has not garnered as much support from Black men as Biden did in the 2020 election, prompting her campaign and allies, including former President Barack Obama, to intensify efforts to regain their trust in key battleground states like Michigan.

Harris identified misinformation from the Trump campaign as a significant hurdle in her outreach to Black voters, asserting, “They are trying to scare people away because they know they otherwise have nothing to run on.” She also addressed police brutality and the killings of Black men, advocating for the passage of the George Floyd Policing Act, which has stalled in Congress since 2021. When Charlamagne questioned the likelihood of securing enough votes for the legislation, given the divided Congress, Harris responded that she believed in persistence and would work to elect supportive legislators.

The conversation also touched on the ongoing investigations related to Trump’s actions during the January 6 Capitol attack. While Harris refrained from directly commenting on whether Attorney General Merrick Garland should have pursued prison time for Trump, she maintained that the judicial system should take its course, stating, "I'm going to handle November."

Audience callers expressed concerns about the integrity of the upcoming election and the potential for Trump to incite another incident similar to January 6. Harris refrained from dismissing these concerns and criticized Trump as “weak and unfit” for office.

In addition to her focus on civil rights and policing, Harris outlined economic proposals aimed at Black men, including initiatives for small-business owners and plans to lower drug prices.

Looking ahead, Harris is set to appear on a conservative network that recently settled a lawsuit involving false claims related to the 2020 presidential election. She is also considering an appearance on Joe Rogan's podcast, which reaches a diverse audience across the political spectrum. This strategy reflects growing concern within Democratic circles regarding Harris' declining momentum in critical election states, particularly her struggles with male voters, especially Black men, which could jeopardize her presidential ambitions.

Recent polls indicate a troubling trend: over a quarter of young Black men say they would support Trump in the upcoming election, compared to the approximately 80% of the Black male vote Biden secured in 2020. Harris' lead over Trump has also diminished in recent days, with the latest national Reuters/Ipsos poll showing her lead at a slim three points. Other battleground state polls reflect a tight race between the two candidates.

As part of her campaign efforts, Harris has been engaging in a media blitz, appearing on various talk shows, comedy programs, and podcasts. During her fifth visit to the Detroit area since announcing her candidacy in July, she highlighted new policy proposals aimed at Black men, including forgivable small business loans and access to a legal recreational marijuana market.