Harris Dodges Question on Her Vote for Crime Legislation in California

In a telling moment just days before Election Day, Vice President Kamala Harris refused to disclose how she voted on California’s Proposition 36, a measure designed to toughen penalties for certain drug and theft crimes. During a Sunday exchange with reporters in Detroit, Harris sidestepped the question, claiming she did not want to create an "endorsement one way or another."

Proposition 36 seeks to reverse parts of the controversial Proposition 47, a 2014 measure that downgraded several felonies to misdemeanors. Critics have long blamed Prop 47 for exacerbating California’s struggles with retail theft, drug abuse, and violent crime. Prop 36 would increase penalties for repeat offenders in drug and theft cases, a move many argue is essential to restoring law and order.

Key Points:

• Harris’s Silence: When pressed about her vote, Harris declined to reveal her stance, leaving voters questioning where she stands on a critical issue of crime.

• Proposition 36 Overview: The measure aims to allow felony charges for certain drug possessions and thefts under $950 if the individual has two prior convictions.

• Public Backlash: Harris’s refusal to address the issue drew criticism online, with some accusing her of being soft on crime. Popular accounts like Libs of TikTok called out Harris for her non-answer, asserting that it reflects a broader tolerance for lawlessness.

Harris’s history on crime has often been a point of contention. As California’s attorney general, she avoided taking a clear stance on Prop 47, despite its significant impact on the state’s criminal justice system. Now, her reticence to comment on Prop 36 feeds into a growing narrative that the Democratic leadership is unwilling to confront the consequences of soft-on-crime policies.

This non-committal approach could have implications beyond California, as the issue of crime resonates nationwide. Harris’s refusal to clarify her position may alienate voters concerned about rising crime rates and the effectiveness of current laws in combating it.

As the election looms, Harris’s silence on such a pivotal issue speaks volumes. It’s a decision that could further erode confidence in her leadership on crime and public safety.

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