Vice President Kamala Harris shared her perspectives on key campaign issues during an in-depth conversation on the All the Smoke podcast, hosted by former NBA players Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson.

Harris used the opportunity to address her 2024 presidential campaign, discussing topics like marijuana legalization, support for small businesses, and the importance of blended families in an apparent attempt to connect with young and minority voters, with fewer than 40 days until the election, as the Washington Examiner reports.

During the interview, Harris spoke about her desire to grow an “opportunity economy” by focusing on small businesses, minority families, and the child tax credit. She emphasized how her policies would benefit local communities, particularly those that have been traditionally underserved.

Kamala Harris Reaffirms Support for Legalizing Marijuana

A central theme of the discussion was Harris’s stance on marijuana legalization, a position she’s maintained despite her previous record as a prosecutor in California, where she handled cannabis-related crimes. Harris reiterated her long-standing belief that cannabis should be legalized.

“We have come to a point where we have to understand that we need to legalize it,” Harris said, emphasizing that this wasn’t a new position for her. She argued that people should not be jailed for smoking marijuana, noting the disproportionate impact such laws have had on communities of color.

Harris's position on marijuana legalization marks a notable shift from her time as a prosecutor, a fact that media outlets and voters have scrutinized in the past. However, her consistent support for legal reform in recent years has solidified her stance on the issue.

Focus on Building an "Opportunity Economy"

In the interview, Harris highlighted her vision for what she calls an "opportunity economy," which she described as an economy that focuses on giving small businesses and entrepreneurs a fair chance. She explained that many small business owners are working hard but lack access to the resources needed to succeed.

“The thing we know is that most of our small businesses, our entrepreneurs... have incredible work ethic, but they weren’t handed a bunch of money on a silver tray,” Harris explained. Her plan would focus on improving access to funding for small businesses, which she sees as the backbone of local communities.

Her proposal also includes policies aimed at expanding the child tax credit and providing housing plans that would support working families, particularly those from minority backgrounds. Harris argued that investments in children, particularly during their early years, would benefit society as a whole.

Breaking Barriers and Embracing Blended Families

Harris also touched on her personal life, reflecting on her role as the first Black woman to secure a major-party nomination for president. Drawing on advice from her mother, Harris expressed her sense of responsibility to leave doors open for others following in her footsteps.

“Kamala, you may be the first to do many things, but make sure you’re not the last,” Harris recalled her mother saying. She described how this guidance has shaped her approach to public service, emphasizing the importance of mentoring others and creating opportunities for future generations.

Another personal topic Harris discussed was her blended family. She shared her experiences as part of a modern family structure, pointing out how common these types of families have become in today’s world. “The people who don’t get it aren’t understanding there’s a whole lot more of these kinds of relationships than people realize. This is not the 1950s,” she remarked.

Reaching Young and Minority Voters

Harris’s appearance on the All the Smoke podcast is part of a broader trend in political campaigns, with both Democratic and Republican candidates turning to podcasts to connect with younger, more diverse audiences. As she approaches the final stretch of her 2024 campaign, Harris is increasingly relying on these platforms to share her message and policy priorities.

The vice president underscored the importance of reaching out to voters where they are, particularly younger and independent voters who may be more likely to engage with podcast interviews than traditional campaign events.

“My opponent in this race, look up Project 2025,” Harris said, referring to the policy platform supported by her Republican opponents, which she believes threatens civil rights progress. The vice president used the podcast as a platform to address the concerns that young and minority voters might have regarding future policy decisions under a different administration.

Personal Interests and Relaxation

In a lighter moment during the interview, Harris shared some of her personal interests with the audience. She revealed her love for cooking and her preference for nacho-flavored Doritos. The vice president also discussed her daily workout routine, offering listeners a glimpse into how she manages stress while balancing a demanding campaign schedule.

Harris's ability to connect on a personal level with her audience highlights a key aspect of her outreach strategy -- showing the human side of a politician who is often seen only through the lens of policy and governance.

Conclusion: A Broad and Inclusive Campaign

In her interview on All the Smoke, Vice President Kamala Harris attempted to outline her policy platform while also revealing personal insights about her life. From supporting the legalization of marijuana to advocating for an "opportunity economy" that lifts up small businesses and minority families, Harris aimed to position herself as a candidate for working families and entrepreneurs alike.

Her approach to blended families, combined with her role as a barrier-breaker in American politics, was emphasized throughout the interview. By reaching out to young and minority voters through nontraditional platforms like podcasts, Harris hopes to galvanize a broad base of support in the final days leading up to the 2024 election.

Ultimately, Harris’s appearance on the podcast highlighted her desire to blend personal storytelling with a new policy vision, but whether it resonated with her target audience, only time will tell.