Vice President Kamala Harris is pledging to legalize recreational marijuana, protect cryptocurrency assets and give one million loans to Black entrepreneurs in an effort to galvanize Black voters, some of whom have been gravitating toward former President Donald Trump or are undecided about voting.
Why? Former President Barack Obama has a theory. "Part of it makes me think that, well, you just aren't feeling the idea of having a woman as president, and you're coming up with other alternatives and other reasons for that," he said Thursday in Pittsburgh.
A New York Times/Siena College poll of Black likely voters released Saturday found Harris retains the majority of support of Black likely voters over Trump, though support has waned from President Joe Biden's share of the Black vote in 2020.
Harris’ platform includes plans to legalize recreational marijuana, an issue with strong support among younger voters and one which she confirmed in September on the basketball-focused podcast "All the Smoke," for the first time since becoming the candidate. Harris said she wanted to ensure that Black Americans benefit from opportunities within the growing cannabis industry.
The VP pledged to offer one million forgivable loans of up to $20,000 to Black entrepreneurs, aiming to boost Black business ownership and wealth creation. According to her campaign, reported the Pennsylvania Capital Star, the initiative also tackles regulation of cryptocurrency and other digital assets, with over 20% of Black Americans reportedly having invested in such assets.
Education and workforce development are also central to Harris' strategy. Her plan includes increasing investments in Black male teachers, expanding registered apprenticeships and providing credentialing opportunities in Black communities. Harris is also promoting leadership and mentorship programs, such as My Brother's Keeper, which focuses on addressing critical health issues that disproportionately affect Black men, including diabetes, mental health and prostate cancer.
Harris is expected to unveil these initiatives during a stop in Erie, Pennsylvania, where she will meet with a group of Black men before holding a larger rally.
"This agenda is a further realization of Vice President Harris' Opportunity Economy," said Harris campaign co-chair Cedric Richmond, former U.S. Representative from Louisiana. "An economy where people don't just get by, but get ahead. Where Black men are equipped with the tools to thrive: to buy a home, provide for our families, start a business and build wealth,"