By Macy Meinhardt, Voice & Viewpoint Staff Writer
Three Black journalists were given the rare and crucial opportunity to interview Vice President Kamala Harris on a live platform Tuesday, prompting the presidential candidate to further elaborate on how she will serve America —particularly Black America.
“Part of my work is about understanding what we need to do in dealing with, for example, the historic inequities,” said Harris during the interview with The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ).
During the 45-minute interview with journalists Gerren Gaynor with The Grio, Eugene Daniels with Politico, and Tonya Mosley with WHYY, Harris outlined her intention to “earn the Black vote” through addressing historical inquiries related to homeownership, reparations, healthcare, and–of course–the economy.
“I’m working to earn the vote, not assuming I’m going to have it because I am Black, but because the policies and the perspectives I have understand what we must do to recognize the needs of all communities,” said Harris.
Her Sept. 17 visit with the NABJ in Philadelphia was a far cry from Donald Trump’s appearance at their annual convention held in July, where Trump—on top of doubling down on his “Black job” trope—questioned the authenticity of Harris’ identity as a Black woman while in a room full of Black journalists.
“I didn’t know she was Black until a number of years ago, when she happened to turn Black, and now she wants to be known as Black. So I don’t know, is she Indian or is she Black?” said Former President Trump.
Trump’s campaign received massive pushback for his “insulting” comments on race, and the way he berated the Black journalist, Rachel Scott from ABC during the panel. The NABJ organization as a whole also received backlash for giving Trump a platform to spew “baseless” and “offensive” rhetoric.
However, the NABJ has a longstanding tradition of inviting each Democratic and Republican presidential nominee to their convention for a live Q&A with reporters. This year just happened to be the first time since the 2000 Bush-Gore campaign that both nominees accepted the invitation.“For the first time in 24 years, both nominees from the democratic and republican party have accepted the NABJ’s invitation,” said NABJ president Ken Lemon.
Meanwhile, with 48 days until the election, Harris’ interview stayed on target with many of the points she made during the debate, driving home the point that her policy proposals aim to give all Americans a level playing field to get ahead.
Harris’ Opportunity Economy, For the Black Man
In Voice & Viewpoint’s Black Voter survey, 55% of respondents say that economic policy and jobs are their top voting issue.
Throughout this election season, speculation has surrounded whether Trump’s reputation as a business mogul will give him an edge in securing the Black vote this election cycle, specifically among Black men.
“Black men have been taken for granted by the Democratic Party for years, but President Trump’s [economic] message is resonating at historic levels because he is doing the work,” said Janiyah Thomas, Black media director for the Trump campaign.
According to Pew Research Study published in June, about two-thirds of Black Americans (65%) say the U.S. economic system was designed to hold Black people back.
“Polling shows that some Black men, particularly young Black men, are considering voting for Donald Trump, as they see him as better for the economy. What is your message to young black male voters who feel left out of this economy, and how can your economic policies materially change your lives?” asked reporter Gerren Gaynor.
Gaynor did not clarify which poll he was referring to, but it’s likely connected to another Pew Research survey that states “55% majority of voters say they are very or somewhat confident in Trump to make good decisions about economic policy, compared with 45% who say that about Harris.”
“I think it’s very important to not operate from the assumption that Black men are in anybody’s pocket. Black men are like any other voting group. You gotta earn their vote.” said Harris.
Specifically, economic concerns related to inflation are the most frequently cited amongst Black voters, according to a poll conducted by the NAACP.
During her time on the NABJ stage, Harris boasted that her and Biden’s administration achieved the “lowest Black unemployment rate in generations.”
Currently on the national scale, reports from the White House shows that as of April 2024, the unemployment rate for Black workers was 5.6%, comparable to the 8% rate from 2016 to 2020, and the 11% Black unemployment rate from 2000 to 2015.
“It is an important marker, and I’m proud of the work that we’ve done thus far, but it should be a baseline there,” said Harris.
Harris also shared that their administration has had the highest rate of new Black small business start up’s. As a way to make it easier for entrepreneurs to “get their foot in the door”, Harris proposes to increase the tax deduction from $5,000 to $50,000 for small business start ups.
“Black men—just like any group of people—and our small businesses, are really the backbone of our economy overall. And when they do better economically, we all do better,” said Harris.
Other Black voter topics Harris discussed with NABJ was Black maternal healthcare, prescription drug costs, homeownership ability, and reparations.
To watch the full interview head to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGJCdga_M1A
