California Black Media

Opinion – Kamala Harris: Imagining What Can Be, Unburdened by What Has Been

As we enter the final 90 day stretch of what will likely be the most bizarre presidential election cycle in modern American history, the two leading candidates for president of the United States have staked out very interesting communications strategies. Trump is being Trump. He remains true to his persona, with his supporters admiring his actions while his detractors only seeing flaws. On the other hand, Harris has deployed a cunning strategy of deceit and avoidance. And with the aid of her allies in the press, has been able to seamlessly shift her stance on key policy issues from immigration to healthcare without batting an eyelash.

Published

1 year ago

August 19, 2024

Oakland Post

Craig J. DeLuz. Courtesy of Craig J. DeLuz

By Craig J. DeLuz, Special to California Black Media Partners

Trump is being Trump. He remains true to his persona, with his supporters admiring his actions while his detractors only seeing flaws. On the other hand, Harris has deployed a cunning strategy of deceit and avoidance. And with the aid of her allies in the press, has been able to seamlessly shift her stance on key policy issues from immigration to healthcare without batting an eyelash.

The most striking aspect of this strategy is the campaign’s consistent mischaracterization of Donald Trump’s stances. Rather than engaging in a reputable and respectful exchange of ideas, the Harris camp has resorted to vilifying and maligning Trump, often resorting to gross exaggerations and blatant untruths. Despite Trump’s repeated assurances that he does not support cuts to social security benefits, Harris insists that he intends to slash these programs. She also fabricates claims that he seeks a nationwide abortion ban, disregarding his clear statements that he does not support such a ban and that the decision should be left to individual states. Additionally, Harris boasts about her tough stance on border security, despite over 10 million illegal crossings at the southern border during her tenure as “Border Czar” in the Biden-Harris administration

Furthermore, Harris’ deliberate avoidance of media interviews and her reluctance to answer questions is an alarming and dubious tactic. Harris’ most recent sit-down interview was nearly two months ago on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe”, where she discussed the Roe v. Wade anniversary. Since then, the public witnessed Joe Biden’s cognitive decline on national television, an assassination attempt on Trump’s life, the Republican National Convention, Biden’s withdrawal from the presidential race, and Harris’ nomination as the Democratic candidate; all newsworthy events that were seemingly unworthy of commentary. In fact, the only question she has answered recently was when she would do an interview, to which she responded, “before the end of the month.” In an era where information is easily accessible and voters demand transparency from their leaders, avoiding the media is both counterproductive and undemocratic. By limiting her interactions with the media, Harris is cherry-picking her audience and attempting to control the narrative, instead of engaging in open and honest communication with all Americans.

However, the most concerning aspect of Harris’ communications strategy is her frequent reversals on crucial issues. She was in favor of banning fracking before she was against it. Her stance on single-payer healthcare has been fluid and uncertain. And just recently, she launched a multi-state ad campaign presenting herself as an immigration hardliner, committed to securing our southern border, despite previously claiming that it was already secure. On multiple occasions, Harris has changed her position, often depending on the political climate or her audience.

Kamala Harris carefully crafted her communication strategy. Through her campaign, Kamala Harris is truly “Imagining what can be, unburdened by what has been.”

About the Author

Craig J. DeLuz has almost 30 years in public policy and advocacy. He currently hosts a daily news and commentary show called The RUNDOWN. You can follow him on X at @CraigDeLuz.

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Trump’s White House Pushes to Control California Wildfire Recovery

The executive order signed Jan. 27 by President Donald Trump directs federal agencies to explore regulations that could override California and municipal permitting rules for homes and other structures destroyed in the fires. Land-use and rebuilding permits have traditionally been handled by cities and counties, making the move an unprecedented federal intervention into disaster recovery.

Published

2 days ago

February 10, 2026

Oakland Post

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By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

The White House is moving to take control of wildfire recovery efforts in the Los Angeles County area, issuing an executive order that would shift rebuilding permit authority from state and local governments to the federal government following the January 2025 Palisades and Eaton fires.

“I want to see if we can take over the city and state and just give the people their permits they want to build,” Trump told the media when signing the order.

The Palisades and Eaton fires destroyed about 16,000 homes, businesses, and other structures across Pacific Palisades, Altadena, and surrounding areas. According to local data, roughly 4,700 applications to rebuild have been submitted, with about 2,000 approved so far. Officials say the pace of rebuilding is consistent with recovery timelines from other major wildfires in California, where reconstruction often takes several years.

Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass quickly condemned the order, stating that it is unnecessary and legally questionable. Disaster recovery experts echoed those concerns, pointing to constitutional limits on federal authority over land-use decisions.

Trump’s order calls on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration to consider allowing builders to self-certify compliance with health and safety regulations to receive federal approval.

The dispute has become another flashpoint in the ongoing political battle between Trump and Newsom. The governor has requested $33 billion in federal disaster aid that has not yet been approved, while survivors continue to face challenges related to insurance payouts, high rebuilding costs, and legal disputes tied to the cause of the fires.

“Instead of finally sending to Congress the federal relief Los Angeles needs to rebuild from last year’s firestorms, Donald Trump continues to live in fantasy land,” Newsom wrote on X.

Bass said the White House could speed recovery by approving disaster aid and pushing insurers and lenders to support affected residents.

Trump’s order calls for draft regulations within 30 days and final rules within 90 days.

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Bo Tefu

Gov. Newsom, AG Bonta to Local Law Enforcement: You Have Authority to Investigate Federal Agents

The guidance, released by the California Department of Justice (DOJ), emphasizes that local and state police have concurrent jurisdiction in cases involving federal officers and are not required to defer to federal investigations. The bulletin follows recent federal officer-involved shooting deaths in Minnesota and California.

Published

2 days ago

February 10, 2026

Oakland Post

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By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Gov. Gavin Newsom and California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a bulletin Jan. 27 reminding state and local law enforcement agencies that they have the authority to investigate potential violations of state law committed by federal agents, even when federal authorities do not cooperate.

The bulletin states that federal and state law enforcement have long worked together on investigations that can result in both federal and state charges, but recent actions by the federal government have raised concerns about obstruction and a lack of transparency. California officials say those developments require state and local agencies to be prepared to assert their legal authority.

“Especially when a fatal shooting occurs, no one should be allowed to rush in, seize evidence, and control the narrative before state and local law enforcement have lawful access,” said Newsom. “Transparency isn’t a talking point; it’s a legal and moral requirement.”

Bonta said federal agents do not have absolute immunity from state criminal prosecution and warned against claims suggesting otherwise.

“Let there be no question: State and local law enforcement in California have authority to investigate potential violations of state law, even when those violations are committed by federal agents,” said Bonta. “Federal courts have long recognized that federal agents do not have absolute immunity from state law prosecution.”

The bulletin advises agencies that states have primary authority to investigate and prosecute violations of state criminal law, including cases involving federal officers. It also notes that the California DOJ is available to assist local agencies and can seek court orders to preserve evidence or secure access to crime scenes if needed.

California officials pointed to a Minnesota case in which a Trump-appointed federal judge ordered the federal government not to destroy evidence amid allegations that federal authorities interfered with a state investigation into a fatal shooting involving a federal officer.

The move comes amid broader legal battles between California and the Trump administration over federal law enforcement practices. In recent months, Bonta has led or joined court filings challenging federal deployments and enforcement actions, while Newsom has opposed what state leaders describe as unlawful federal overreach.

The DOJ encouraged Californians to report alleged misconduct by federal agents through its online reporting portal, saying the state stands ready to investigate and, where warranted, pursue charges under the California Penal Code.

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Activism

Cracking Down on Human Trafficking, California DOJ Announces 120 Arrests

According to the California DOJ, 87 arrests were made for loitering, 25 for solicitation, and eight for pimping and pandering. Officials said the operation focused on reducing demand for commercial sexual exploitation while prioritizing a survivor-centered approach.

Published

2 days ago

February 10, 2026

Oakland Post

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By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

The California Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Jan. 26 that 120 people were arrested during a coordinated, multi-county law enforcement operation aimed at disrupting human trafficking and connecting survivors with support services.

The arrests stem from Operation Stand On Demand, a six-day effort conducted from Jan. 19 through Jan. 24 across San Diego, Sacramento, Tulare, and Fresno counties. It involved more than a dozen state and local law enforcement agencies working together to target individuals involved in sex trafficking, including traffickers and buyers.

“This operation reflects an ongoing commitment by California law enforcement to target those who fuel trafficking and exploitation,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta.

“It’s a coordinated, multi-county law enforcement effort focused on disrupting sex trafficking, holding perpetrators accountable, and connecting survivors with support,” said Bonta.

San Diego County accounted for the majority of enforcement activity during the operation. District Attorney Summer Stephan said law enforcement agencies worked around the clock to identify and arrest individuals attempting to purchase sex.

“Our officers, in less than one week during this operation, took action, not words, by working around the clock and arresting and citing 105 people who thought that they were going to go out and buy a human being like they’re a hamburger or a slice of pizza,” Stephan said.

San Diego County Sheriff Kelly Martinez chimed in.

“Communities like Santee and San Marcos, which were part of this operation, face unique vulnerabilities tied to transportation routes, student populations, and employment opportunities,” she said.

Bonta said the arrests are part of broader statewide efforts to combat human trafficking. Since 2021, the Attorney General’s Office said its human trafficking task forces have led to more than 900 arrests and connected more than 1,000 survivors to services and resources.

“Human trafficking is a complex, devastating crime, but when we work together, we can make a real difference, and this operation is proof positive of that fact,” Bonta said.

California DOJ officials said similar operations will continue as part of the state’s ongoing strategy to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable communities.