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

2 years 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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On the Frontlines of Hate: NAACP Links Victims to Critical Support

The NAACP CA/HI has a long and well-established record of supporting victims of discrimination and hate crimes — providing critical referrals and, when necessary, direct assistance through legal advocacy and other forms of support. Beyond responding to incidents, the organization continues to advocate on broader civil rights issues, including voting rights and legal protections. It has also worked to counter efforts at the state and federal levels that could weaken the voting power of communities of color.

Published

2 weeks ago

May 1, 2026

Oakland Post

NAACP members at a recent advocacy day in Sacramento urging lawmakers to protect voting rights. Photo courtesy of California Black Media.

By Joe Kocurek
California Black Media

The California/Hawaii State Conference of the NAACP (CA/HI NAACP) has expanded its efforts to respond to rising hate incidents and civil rights complaints across California, supported in part by funding from California’s Stop the Hate Program

Through that grant, NAACP CA/HI has strengthened its ability to connect individuals experiencing hate or discrimination with critical resources. This includes referring those who file complaints to the CA vs Hate hotline, a statewide, non-emergency hate crime and incident reporting hotline and online portal created to help counter a more than 50% increase in reported hate crimes in California between 2020 and 2024. The system helps ensure incidents are documented, and victims are guided toward appropriate support.

LaJuana Bivens says the work of NAACP is as urgent as ever. Photo by Regina Wilson, California Black Media.

LaJuana Bivens, who has served in a number of roles within the NAACP, said California has seen an increase in civil rights violations and hate-related incidents.

“We have 52 branches, and they are constantly receiving complaints,” she said. “So, without the Stop the Hate, we would not be able to refer those cases up to attorneys at the state level. A lot of the people would not have had an opportunity to be heard.”

Carmen-Nicole Cox helps survivors of hate with their legal options. Photo courtesy of Carmen-Nicole Cox.

Carmen-Nicole Cox, an attorney who works with NAACP CA/HI – as a part of California’s Stop the Hate Program – provides legal consultation to victims of hate incidents and discrimination through her legal practice, the Cox Firm for Law and Policy.

She said the complaints she receives span a wide range of issues.

“People are having home builders and landlords refusing to provide repairs, a student was denied promotion in an academic program, and targeted scrutiny at work,” she said. “It’s typically employment; it’s housing; it’s education.

“We’ll meet and they’ll share their experiences,” she said. “And then I make assessments about possible legal claims.”

According to the California Civil Rights Department (CRD), nearly 1,200 reports of hate against minority groups were submitted in 2024 through the CA vs Hate hotline and online portal for non-emergency incidents.

While the California/Hawaii State Conference of the NAACP, which has tens of thousands of members, does not directly investigate hate incidents or crimes, it plays a key role in connecting victims to the state’s reporting systems and support services.

Beyond responding to incidents, the organization continues to advocate on broader civil rights issues, including voting rights and legal protections. It has also worked to counter efforts at the state and federal levels that could weaken the voting power of communities of color.

Bivens recently traveled to Sacramento to speak with state lawmakers about voting rights during an advocacy day event hosted by the organization.

“It’s just so hard for communities of color to be up to date because of all of the confusing information coming from the federal level,” she said. “I love our great state of California because here it is possible to vote by mail and to vote early.

“And I’m seeing that trying to be eroded. So, I’m here to urge continued support for vote by mail and early voting.”

When Texas moved to redraw congressional districts in ways critics said would dilute minority voting strength, NAACP CA/HI supported the passage of Proposition 50 in California. The organization also intervened in United States v. Shirley Weber, where federal officials sought access to unredacted California voter records, including Social Security numbers, raising concerns about misuse and voter intimidation.

Cultivating the advocacy and leaderships of young people is central to NAACP’s mission to fight racism and dismantle inequality. Photo courtesy of California Black Media.

A federal district court dismissed that case in January 2026.

The organization’s current work builds on a long history of civil rights advocacy. Today, Bivens says, the organization’s mission remains as urgent as ever.

“We are the oldest, boldest, most feared Civil Rights organization,” Bivens said. “What we do every day is fight for better housing, education, economic development and political inclusion. We take it on because there are just so many people who need that support.

“You would be amazed that our phones ring every single day.”

Get Support After Hate:

California vs Hate is a non-emergency, multilingual hotline and online portal offering confidential support for hate crimes and incidents. Victims and witnesses can get help anonymously by calling 833-8-NO-HATE (833-866-4283), Monday to Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. PT, or online at any time. Anonymous. Confidential. No Police. No ICE.

This story was produced in partnership with CA vs Hate. Join them for the first-ever CA Civil Rights Summit on May 11. More information at www.cavshate.org/summit.

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