Vice President Kamala Harris, the self-proclaimed “daughter of Oakland, California,” has been eager to portray herself as a relatable and empathetic leader connected to the average American. Yet, a closer look at her record in Oakland reveals a troubling narrative of neglect and inaction in the face of a growing public safety crisis.
Harris’s hometown consistently ranks among the most dangerous cities in America. Crime has surged dramatically in the years following the pandemic shutdowns, leaving residents grappling with escalating levels of violence and insecurity. While some improvements have been seen in areas like rape, burglary, and homicide, robberies have increased, and the overall level of violent crime remains alarmingly high.
The question arises: what has Harris done to address the plight of her hometown residents? At best, her record shows a disturbing lack of engagement with the city’s problems; at worst, it suggests policies that have contributed to the worsening situation.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the nation witnessed a horrifying wave of attacks targeting Asian Americans, particularly in urban centers like Oakland. Video footage repeatedly revealed Black perpetrators targeting vulnerable elderly immigrants, prompting calls for action and reconciliation between communities. As the first Black and Asian vice president, Harris was uniquely positioned to lead this dialogue. She could have facilitated conversations, encouraged understanding, and addressed the Black community directly, urging an end to the alarming rise of Black-on-Asian violence. Instead, she chose to condemn former President Donald Trump for alleged race-baiting, ignoring the reality of this violence, which predates and postdates Trump’s presidency.
Harris’s silence on this issue is particularly concerning, given her past role as California Attorney General. A national coalition of Asian-American organizations had urged her to work with local and state law enforcement to enhance police protection for Asian Americans. Yet, Harris failed to act, leaving these communities vulnerable to escalating violence.
The issue extends beyond Asian American communities. Oakland residents, regardless of race or ethnicity, face a growing fear of crime. Last year, the local NAACP branch issued a stark call for elected leaders to declare a state of emergency due to the city’s “intolerable public safety crisis.” The organization pointed to the disproportionate impact of crime on African Americans in East Oakland and across the city, blaming “failed leadership” and the “proliferation of anti-police rhetoric” for creating a climate where criminals thrive.
Where does Harris stand on this critical issue? Her record paints a troubling picture. She has advocated for defunding the police, a position that has been widely criticized for its potential to weaken law enforcement and exacerbate crime. During the Minneapolis riots following the death of George Floyd, Harris even promoted a bail fund for rioters. While she has attempted to deny her involvement, her social media posts remain visible. Additionally, she has espoused the need to “reimagine public safety,” a euphemism for defunding the police, and supported then-Mayor of Los Angeles, Eric Garcetti’s decision to slash police funding by $150 million.
The consequences of Harris’s policies are evident in Oakland, a city grappling with a decline in police presence, a surge in shootings, and a growing sense of insecurity. The city’s residents, now forced to navigate a climate of escalating violence and fear, have launched a campaign to recall Pamela Price, the Alameda County District Attorney. Price, who shares Harris’s penchant for reimagining policing, has been accused of prioritizing criminals over victims, with allegations of secretly working to secure parole for murderers.
As the 2024 presidential election draws nearer, Harris seeks to position herself as a leader capable of uniting the nation. However, her record in Oakland tells a different story. It reveals a leader who has ignored the plight of her hometown, embraced policies that have contributed to rising crime, and remained silent on issues that have directly impacted vulnerable communities. If she becomes president, her tenure in Oakland serves as a cautionary tale, raising serious concerns about her ability to effectively address the challenges facing the nation as a whole.
