Vice President Kamala Harris sat down for an interview with Eugene Daniels of Politico, Tonya Mosley of WHYY, and Gerren Gaynor of The Grio, hosted by NABJ at WHYY in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday. This was a make-up event from the convention in Chicago where participants were anticipating her attendance in conjunction with Former President Trump. This is the first time in over 20 years that Democratic and Republican candidates both accepted an invitation to be interviewed by NABJ in the same year.
For the first time since the start of her bid for president, Harris addressed new questions on her stance regarding reparations, the future of Black Men, codifying Roe v. Wade into law, child care, and policy changes related to the war in Gaza. Here are some of the key takeaways:
Economic Plan
Harris discussed several key economic policies, including expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit and providing financial support for first-time home buyers. She also outlined her proposal to offer a $50,000 tax reduction for startups and small businesses.
Harris emphasized the need for more affordable child care, when asked by Mosley, stating, “My plan is that no working family should pay more than 7% of their income on child care.” She also stressed the importance of better wages and support for childcare and home healthcare providers.
The Future of Black Men
Gaynor prompted Harris to address the narrative around Black men voting for Donald Trump due to economic concerns, Harris said, “It’s very important to not operate with the assumption that Black men are in anybody’s pocket. Like any other voting group, you’ve got to earn their vote. I’m working to earn that vote not because I’m Black, but because I understand the policies and perspectives needed to address their needs.”
She also highlighted the economic challenges Black men face, particularly around entrepreneurship, “We have so many entrepreneurs in the community who don’t have access to capital,” says Harris. “They have great ideas, work ethic, ambition, and dreams, but often lack the necessary relationships.
As Vice President, she noted her efforts to funnel billions of dollars into community banks, in partnership with larger banks, to help increase access to capital for small businesses and startups. Harris plans to expand the tax deduction for startups from $5,000 to $50,000.
Harris acknowledged the systemic barriers to building intergenerational wealth, such as medical debt and credit score impacts. She proposed eliminating medical debt from credit reports and reducing obstacles to wealth creation for marginalized communities.
Genocide in Gaza
On the future of Gaza, Harris still stands firm in her call for a two-state solution, a ceasefire, and a hostage deal. When asked by Mosley about the U.S.’s leverage in supporting Palestinian self-determination, she emphasized the need for peace and stability in the region by making sure there’s no reoccupation of Palestine or changes to the territorial lines in Gaza. She says the region needs security while preventing Iran from gaining influence.
She also acknowledged the role of allies like Qatar and Egypt but did not specify any policy changes regarding U.S. military support to Israel. However, she did mention a temporary pause on the use of 2,000-pound bombs that she says she’s proud of.
Reparations to Black Americans
Harris addressed the ongoing discussions around reparations, citing Representative Sheila Jackson Lee’s efforts to speak truth to history and examine the generational impact of slavery, redlining, and Jim Crow laws. Harris noted the importance of studying the issue to find concrete solutions, including addressing student loan debt, medical debt, bias in home appraisals, and Black maternal mortality.
When asked whether she would take executive action or rely on Congress to implement reparations, Harris did not commit to a specific course of action.
Gun Violence in America
Harris condemned gun violence, calling for assault weapons bans, closing the gun show loophole, and universal background checks. She also advocated for a comprehensive approach to gun control that includes mental health services in public schools and addressing the root causes of violence. But, Mosley made a point about most gun owners in the streets not using assault rifles or going to gun stores to get their weapons.
When discussing her safety in light of assassination attempts against Donald Trump, Harris confirmed that she feels secure under Secret Service protection. She called him early Tuesday morning to check on him. Reiterating the importance of preserving democracy through healthy debate, without resorting to violence.