5 Key Insights from Kamala Harris’ Interview with NABJ

In an effort to address concerns regarding her limited media interactions, Vice President Kamala Harris engaged in a conversation with the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) on Tuesday. The discussion touched on various crucial topics, including the economy, the ongoing conflict involving Israel and Hamas, and her recent telephone conversation with former President Donald Trump. Harris also responded to statements made by the Republican nominee and his running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, regarding Haitian migrants.

This interview took place in Philadelphia and came nearly two months after Trump participated in a contentious interview with Black journalists at the NABJ’s national conference. During her conversation, Harris aimed to provide clarity on multiple issues that impact the lives of everyday Americans.

The first question directed at Harris revolved around the economy, a matter of significant concern for voters. Polls indicate that many individuals trust Trump more than Harris when it comes to economic issues, particularly inflation. This is a domain where Harris has found it challenging to shift opinions in her favor.

Similar questions had arisen during last week’s presidential debate, where Harris did not provide a direct response to whether Americans were better off four years ago when Trump was in office. In her interview on Tuesday, she reiterated her previous points regarding the effects of the pandemic on employment rates.

Harris remarked that she and President Joe Biden had assumed office “during the worst unemployment since the Great Depression,” which she contended is a misleading claim, given that the unemployment rate had rebounded to 6.8% after peaking at 14.8% in April 2020. She highlighted the administration’s initiatives aimed at lowering the unemployment rate, including her economic plan, which proposes $25,000 in down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers and the expansion of the child tax credit.

Despite these efforts, Harris acknowledged that challenges remain. “Is the price of groceries still too high? Yes,” she stated. “Do we have more work to do? Yes.”

The conversation took a more contentious turn when Harris criticized both Trump and Vance for perpetuating false rumors about Haitian immigrants, alleging they were involved in stealing and consuming pets in Springfield, Ohio. Labeling these allegations as “a crying shame,” Harris emphasized the responsibility that comes with their public platform.

She cautioned her Republican counterparts, urging them to choose their words more carefully when speaking on national platforms. Harris pointed out that Trump and Vance’s unfounded statements had serious repercussions, prompting threatening calls and bomb threats in Springfield. “When you have that microphone in front of you, you really ought to understand at a very deep level how much your words have meaning,” she explained, reflecting on the impact of language throughout her career.

Shifting to international matters, Harris expressed her belief that a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is still achievable. She reiterated the Biden administration’s support for Israel’s right to defend itself while also advocating for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Efforts have been underway to negotiate ceasefires and hostage deals between Israel and Hamas, although no agreements have been finalized.

When pressed by a reporter to clarify her stance and approach compared to Biden’s, Harris disclosed that she has engaged in private discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and various stakeholders concerning potential resolutions. She maintained that securing a deal is crucial to resolving broader regional issues, declaring, “But ultimately, the thing that is going to unlock everything else in that region is getting this deal done.”

In her discussion about gun violence prevention, Harris reiterated her support for reasonable gun safety laws, including a ban on assault weapons and universal background checks. “It’s just reasonable you might want to know before someone can buy a lethal weapon if they’ve been found by a court to be a danger to themselves or others,” she emphasized.

Harris, who has personally participated in protests advocating for stricter gun control measures, asserted the need for a comprehensive strategy that encompasses addressing untreated trauma. She noted that while Congress passed a bipartisan gun safety law in 2022, additional funding is essential for community-based interventions. “There are very few solutions that we haven’t thought of,” she stated. “We need to (put) the resources into them.”

Returning to the theme of political civility, Harris recalled her interaction with Trump during a recent presidential debate, where they shared a handshake. These moments of decorum have been rare amid rising political tensions. She mentioned a phone call with Trump following a thwarted assassination attempt against him, expressing her concern for his well-being. Harris remarked, “In a democracy, there is no place for political violence. We can and should have healthy debates and discussions and disagreements, but not resort to violence to resolve those issues.”

The discourse between Harris and Trump in recent days, along with her engagement with the NABJ, underscores the ongoing challenges and contentious nature of the current political landscape.

Source: USA Today