Carlos Read Kamala Harris’s Memoirs. Here’s How She’s Evolved.

Update: 2024-08-30

Digest

This podcast episode delves into the evolution of Kamala Harris's views on law enforcement, contrasting her earlier book, "Smart on Crime," which advocated for greater police presence, with her later book, "The Truths We Hold," which takes a more critical stance on policing and addresses issues like mass incarceration and police brutality. The episode highlights the contrast between these two perspectives, suggesting a shift in Harris's thinking over time. It also briefly mentions a new podcast called "The Opinions," featuring New York Times writers and columnists discussing current events. Finally, the episode concludes with a discussion of summer picnic recipes, featuring Melissa Clark.

Outlines

00:01:38

Kamala Harris's Shifting Views on Law Enforcement

This chapter analyzes the evolution of Kamala Harris's views on law enforcement as reflected in her two memoirs. It highlights the contrast between her earlier book, "Smart on Crime," which emphasizes the need for greater police presence, and her later book, "The Truths We Hold," which is more critical of policing and addresses issues like mass incarceration and police brutality.

00:00:32

The Opinions Podcast

This chapter is a brief advertisement for a new podcast called "The Opinions," which features New York Times writers and columnists discussing their perspectives on current events.

00:00:00

Summer Picnic Recipes

This chapter is a brief introduction to a podcast episode featuring a picnic with Melissa Clark, where they discuss recipes using summer produce.

Keywords

Smart on Crime

A philosophy of criminal justice that emphasizes using data and evidence-based strategies to reduce crime, rather than simply focusing on punishment. It often involves a focus on rehabilitation and community-based solutions.

Mass Incarceration

The phenomenon of high rates of imprisonment in a society, often disproportionately affecting certain racial and socioeconomic groups. It is a complex issue with roots in social, economic, and political factors.

Police Brutality

The use of excessive or unnecessary force by law enforcement officers, often resulting in injury or death. It is a serious issue that raises concerns about racial bias, accountability, and the use of force in policing.

Kamala Harris

American politician who served as the 49th Vice President of the United States from 2021 to 2023. She previously served as the 32nd Attorney General of California from 2011 to 2017.

The Truths We Hold

A memoir by Kamala Harris, published in 2019, in which she reflects on her life and career, including her experiences as a prosecutor and her views on criminal justice reform.

Q&A

How have Kamala Harris's views on law enforcement evolved over time?
Harris's views have shifted from a more supportive stance on law enforcement in her earlier book, "Smart on Crime," to a more critical perspective in her later book, "The Truths We Hold," where she addresses issues like mass incarceration and police brutality.
What are some of the key differences between Harris's two books?
The first book emphasizes the need for greater police presence and presents a more positive view of law enforcement, while the second book is more critical of policing and highlights the need for reform.
What are some of the challenges of reconciling Harris's past as a prosecutor with her current political positions?
Some critics argue that Harris's record as a prosecutor is inconsistent with her current stance on criminal justice reform, while her supporters argue that she has evolved and learned from her experiences.

Show Notes

While we take a quick summer break, we wanted to recommend a new show: “The Opinions.” Four times a week, in ten minutes or less, you’ll hear one of our columnists — Matter of Opinion hosts included — walk you through their take on an issue or idea you might not have considered. It’s like the Opinion pages come to life.

In this episode, our very own Carlos shares what he learned reading Kamala Harris’s two memoirs. He reflects on how her criminal justice message has changed over time, and considers what that may reveal about her candidacy. Listen and subscribe to "The Opinions" on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Thoughts about Matter of Opinion? Email us at matterofopinion@nytimes.com or leave a voicemail at (212) 556-7440.

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