Kamala Harris’ record as prosecutor in California spells ‘trouble’ for presidential campaign: lawyer
Harris needs 1,976 delegates on the first ballot at the Democratic National Convention in August
Some experts believe that Kamala Harris' past policies as San Francisco District Attorney and California Attorney General may hinder her campaign for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination. Critics argue that Harris' support for Proposition 47, a controversial California law that reduced penalties for certain crimes, has contributed to rising crime rates in the state. As Attorney General, Harris was responsible for writing a summary of the proposition, which reclassified crimes such as forgery, fraud, drug use, and theft of items valued below $950 as misdemeanors. This has led to accusations that Harris has contributed to the rise in retail theft and has angered even some of her liberal supporters. Additionally, Harris' endorsement of Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón, who has faced criticism for his handling of criminal cases, may also become a liability.
Prior to her role as Attorney General, Harris served as San Francisco District Attorney from 2004 to 2011, where she took a tougher stance on crime. During this time, she was criticized for seeking to charge parents of truant students and for her prosecution of marijuana cases. However, she also faced scrutiny for her opposition to the death penalty, which drew attention after she refused to seek capital punishment for a man who killed a San Francisco police officer. As Harris navigates the current political landscape, her stance on criminal justice and her past policies are likely to come under further scrutiny, particularly if she faces a tough-on-crime opponent like former President Donald Trump in the general election.
Prior to her role as Attorney General, Harris served as San Francisco District Attorney from 2004 to 2011, where she took a tougher stance on crime. During this time, she was criticized for seeking to charge parents of truant students and for her prosecution of marijuana cases. However, she also faced scrutiny for her opposition to the death penalty, which drew attention after she refused to seek capital punishment for a man who killed a San Francisco police officer. As Harris navigates the current political landscape, her stance on criminal justice and her past policies are likely to come under further scrutiny, particularly if she faces a tough-on-crime opponent like former President Donald Trump in the general election.