Election/Election Integrity

Harris Campaign Backpedals From Economic Agenda For Black Men Days After Releasing It

Just days after unveiling an economic agenda specifically aimed at black men, Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign said Wednesday that the initiative will now be open to all Americans, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Harris’s campaign claimed that the initiative will be open for all days after Harris’s campaign announced the “Opportunity Agenda for Black Men,” designed to bolster support among a demographic for the Democratic Party, according to the WSJ. This initiative featured a pledge to extend “1 million fully forgivable loans to Black entrepreneurs and others to start businesses,” along with proposals for “educational, training, and mentorship programs aimed at securing well-paying jobs for Black men,” “legalizing recreational marijuana to benefit Black Americans in the burgeoning industry,” and “support for Black men caring for elderly parents.”

However, the language used in the proposal — specifically the inclusion of “and others” — suggests a broader, race-neutral application, The Wall Street Journal reported. A campaign aide clarified that while the initiative addresses specific hurdles faced by Black men, it is intended to benefit all Americans.

Despite the potentially universal application of the programs under the “Opportunity Agenda for Black Men,” the Harris campaign maintains that its intentions were clear and not meant to deceive, as it was explicitly designed with transparency that it was developed in response to the challenges black male entrepreneurs voiced, the outlet reported. Specific initiatives, such as intensified federal action against sickle cell disease, which primarily affects black individuals, are anticipated to particularly aid the target demographic.

Harris introduced the plan Monday that embeds racial considerations into key governmental initiatives, including reparative payments to black farmers and directing 40% of specific environmental program benefits to disadvantaged communities, as part of the broader Biden administration strategy.

The Harris campaign did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.