Kamala Harris remained open to compensation for slavery and acquiesced with the notion she believes Donald Trump supports fascism in an extensive interview with radio personality Charlamagne Tha God.
“This is a margin-of-error race. It’s tight. I’m gonna win. I’m gonna win, but it’s tight,” Harris stated to her listeners in the middle of an hour-long conversation three weeks prior to Election Day as the Democratic candidate expands her reach towards Black voters, particularly, Black men.
Harris, who will be one of the few Black female president should she be elected she has honed her appeal at African American voters – a vital Democratic base – while polls indicate that Trump has been able to make a small inroad to Black men.
Here are five of the most memorable points from that interview Detroit that was advertised as an “audio town hall” as part of Charlamagne’s program The Breakfast Club:
Harris claims that reparations for slavery should be investigated
Harris stated to Charlamagne she believed that the issue of reparations for the descendants of those who were enslaved must be considered However, she stayed away from signing a reparations agreement.
“On the point of reparations, it has to be studied. There’s no question about that. And I’ve been very clear about that position,” Harris said. Harris who, was senator from California U.S. senator from California supported bills that established the federal commission that would examine reparations for slavery.
Charlemagne says Trump’s vision is based on ‘fascism’ and Harris is in agreement
Harris shared the same opinion as Charlamagne when the host of the radio show said Trump’s plan for America is fascism.
In the past, fascism was an authoritarian, far-right political philosophy that is often linked to Italian ruler Benito Mussolini, who rose to power following World War I and coined the term in 1919 to define his political party.
The moment was when Harris described the race as one between two different visions, one that focuses on taking the country forward under her leadership, or reversing with Trump.
“The other is about fascism. Why can’t we just say it?” Charlamagne said.
“Yes, we can say that,” Harris said.
The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to USA TODAY’s request to comment. Trump’s critics have accused Trump of echoing the rhetoric of extremists.
Harris promotes legalization of marijuana across the nation
Harris reiterated her support for legalizing cannabis recreational usage across the nation and a proposal for policy that she unveiled this week. She also pushed to ensure that Black entrepreneurs to be given equal opportunities in the cannabis business.
Harris made the suggestion in response to criticism that she had prosecuted Black males for marijuana possession on low-level charges while she was San Francisco district attorney. She claimed she did not seek incarceration for a simple marijuana possession.
“My pledge is that as president, I will work on decriminalizing it because I know exactly how those laws have been used to disproportionately impact certain populations and specifically Black men,” Harris declared.
Harris claims that ‘disinformation’ has altered record with Black community
Harris was able to defend her record on issues that affect a majority of Black voters, saying “mis- and disinformation” has obscured the truth.
“That’s just not true,” Harris stated when confronted about claims that she would do nothing specifically to help Black Americans if elected. “One of the biggest challenges that I face is mis- and disinformation. And it’s purposeful, because it is meant to convince people that they somehow should not believe that the work that I have done has occurred and has meaning.”
Harris has cited her history of campaigning for the funding of historically Black universities and colleges as well as reducing the cost of health care and reducing Black mother mortality. In this interview Harris spoke about campaign policy proposals that she claimed would be beneficial to African Americans. For instance, she has endorsed the $25,000 credit offered to first-time home buyers, as and loans that are fully forgiven up to $20,000 for Black entrepreneurs. She has also supported reviving taxes for parents with children.
“Ask Donald Trump what his plan is for Black America. Ask him,” Harris stated. “I’ll tell you what it is. Look at Project 2025.”
The 2025 Presidential Transition Project, as it’s also known as, is a result that is the work of The Heritage Foundation, a right-wing think tank. With the help of several ex- Trump government officials. The nearly 900-page document offers an expansive conservative plan and methods for governing the country’s executive branch.
Harris likes Maya Rudolph’s ‘SNL’ caricature
Harris was awed by comedian and actress Maya Rudolph’s performance for her appearance on “Saturday Night Live” – an iconic caricature that is now a regular weekend activity in the 2024 campaign season.
“Hasn’t Maya Rudolph been wonderful?” Harris stated when Charlamagne demanded from the vice president if it’s appropriate for “SNL” to mock her appearance on scripted. “I have nothing but admiration for comedy, and I think it’s important to be able to laugh at yourself and each other in the the spirit of, obviously, comedy and not belittling people as my opponent does.”
Harris has brushed off criticisms she tries to stick to talking about points too much.
“I would respond “You’re very welcome,” Harris stated. “The truth is there’s some things that need to be reiterated to make sure that everyone understand what I stand for as well as my views on the issues that are at for discussion with this particular election.”