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The Opinions

Kamala Harris Wrote Two Books. They Paint Different Pictures.

Aug 29, 2024
Kamala Harris, a former prosecutor and current Vice President, discusses her evolving perspectives on criminal justice. Joined by Carlos Lozada, a Times Opinion columnist, they explore the contrasting narratives in her two memoirs. The conversation highlights her shift from a law enforcement supporter to a more critical viewpoint, shaped by societal changes regarding race and justice. They also delve into her political reinvention, comparing her strategies to those of Donald Trump, while examining the complexities of political adaptation.
09:06

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Kamala Harris's shift from a supportive stance on law enforcement in 2009 to a critical view in 2019 reflects her adaptation to evolving societal values on justice.
  • The omission of a significant conversation with a victim in her later memoir suggests Harris’s struggle with accountability in light of current victim rights discourse.

Deep dives

Kamala Harris's Evolving Perspective on Law Enforcement

Kamala Harris's views on law enforcement have evolved considerably between her two memoirs, reflecting the changing political landscape. In her first book from 2009, she expresses a generally positive outlook on law enforcement, underscoring the notion that a crime against one is a crime against all and advocating for more police presence in communities. Contrastingly, her 2019 memoir presents a more critical stance, acknowledging issues like mass incarceration and police brutality, thereby aligning with broader societal calls for reform. This shift illustrates not only her personal growth but also resonates with the broader reawakening around issues of race and justice that have surfaced in recent years, particularly spurred by movements like Black Lives Matter and Me Too.

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