In the current media landscape, podcasts have emerged as significant platforms for political figures seeking to connect with the electorate. Recently, Kamala Harris participated in two podcast interviews that were made public this week. One interview was conducted by Shannon Sharpe, a former NFL player who hosts “Club Shay Shay,” while the other was with Brené Brown, a renowned academic who runs the podcast “Unlocking Us.”
During these discussions, Harris revisited familiar themes, such as her strategies for making elderly care more affordable and her fondness for using Venn diagrams to simplify complex ideas. However, with the election just a week away, there were still some fresh insights to be gleaned from her conversations.
Specifically, Harris issued a caution to Black voters regarding support for Donald Trump. Sharpe probed Harris about the worrying trend of some Black voters, especially men, leaning towards her Republican opponent.
In her response, Harris highlighted how Trump had perpetuated falsehoods about Barack Obama, the nation’s first Black president, and absurd claims about Haitian migrants in Ohio supposedly consuming pets. She transitioned into a more extensive admonition about Trump’s perspective. “Don’t think you’re in Donald Trump’s club. You’re not,” Harris emphasized. “He’s not going to be thinking about you. You think he’s having you over for dinner?”
She pointed out that when Trump is engaging with his wealthy acquaintances, he is not considering the requirements of Black men, such as improved healthcare and educational prospects. “Should he be president of the United States? That’s the question,” she added.
On the topic of employment, Harris addressed Trump’s controversial remarks made during his debate with President Joe Biden, where he suggested that migrants were taking “Black jobs.” While speaking with Sharpe, Harris dismissed this notion, asserting that Trump is attempting to persuade voters to adopt a divisive viewpoint, suggesting it’s a matter of “it’s either you or them.”
“What do you define as a Black job? Let me tell you what I define as a Black job,” she asserted. “Vice president of the United States.” Sharpe humorously responded, “That’s a good one. I don’t know about the pay, but it’s a good job to have.” Harris chuckled, saying, “Well, you know, not everybody is Shannon Sharpe.”
Regarding her approach on the campaign trail, Sharpe’s interviews often begin with a toast, but Harris playfully declined the offer of liquor, explaining, “I’m not going to actually drink this because I might fall asleep.” She also mentioned the importance of staying alert for a scheduled appearance with Obama later that same day.
Harris detailed her commitment to maintaining a fitness routine every morning, regardless of how late she may stay up the previous night. She noted that she has adopted the habit of eating breakfast as she has gotten older. “It’s usually a spinach omelet,” she remarked. “I like chicken apple sausage and some toast.”
In terms of punctuality, Harris described herself as very particular about being on time, contrasting her approach with the more laid-back attitudes often associated with politicians. She conveyed to Brown, “It’s really important to me to be on time.” She recounted how others have poked fun at her dedication to punctuality, highlighting that many elected officials do not share this trait. “But I feel that I owe other people the respect of knowing their time is important,” Harris concluded.
