VP Harris Addresses Identity, Mental Health, and Cannabis in Podcast Interview

In a recent episode of the "All the Smoke" podcast, Vice President Kamala Harris engaged in a wide-ranging conversation with former NBA players Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes. The interview, which aired on September 30, 2024, covered various topics including personal identity, mental health, and cannabis legalization.

Harris, who became the first female, first African American, and first Asian American vice president of the United States, addressed questions about her racial identity. When asked about individuals questioning her background, she responded with confidence:

"I'm really clear about who I am and if anybody else is not, they need to go through their own level of therapy, that's not my issue."

This statement aligns with Harris' long-standing advocacy for mental health awareness. She emphasized the importance of mental well-being, stating:

"I think the mental health issue is probably one of the biggest public policy failures in our country. We have acted as though the body starts from the neck down, instead of understanding we need healthcare also from the neck up."

Harris, who served as the Attorney General of California from 2011 to 2017, reiterated her support for decriminalizing cannabis. She highlighted the disproportionate impact of marijuana criminalization on Black communities, a stance consistent with her previous efforts in criminal justice reform.

The Vice President also shared personal insights, revealing her coping mechanisms for maintaining mental health. These include daily exercise, cooking, and avoiding social media comments. Harris recounted a specific instance of stress relief through cooking, describing how she prepared a pork roast early one morning after becoming the Democratic presidential candidate in July 2024.

This podcast appearance is part of a broader campaign strategy to connect with male voters, particularly Black men. Recent polls indicate varying levels of support for Harris among different demographics. A Reuters/Ipsos survey conducted from August 21-28, 2024, showed that 41% of male respondents would vote for Harris if an election were held immediately, compared to 47% for her Republican opponent. Notably, about two-thirds of Black men expressed support for Harris.

Throughout her career, Harris has been a vocal advocate for various issues. She co-sponsored the Medicare for All bill in 2017 and has been a strong supporter of LGBTQ+ rights. In 2005, she launched the "Back on Track" program aimed at reducing recidivism among low-level drug offenders. Her work in combating transnational organized crime has also gained recognition.

Harris' journey to the vice presidency includes significant milestones. She graduated from Howard University and the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, and worked as a deputy district attorney in Alameda County, California, from 1990 to 1998. In 2017, she was elected as a United States Senator from California, where she gained attention for her questioning skills during Senate hearings.

While Harris has faced criticism for aspects of her record as a prosecutor, she has consistently been recognized as an influential figure in American politics. Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in both 2013 and 2021. As the campaign progresses, Harris continues to engage with diverse audiences, addressing key issues and sharing her vision for the country's future.