Kamala Harris Joins All The Smoke to Talk Family, Politics, and Oakland Roots

Vice President Kamala Harris recently sat down with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson for a special episode of All The Smoke, marking one of her most personal interviews to date. The conversation covered everything from her upbringing in Oakland, her family life, and what it’s like to be the Democratic nominee for the 2024 presidential election.

Here are some highlights from the discussion:

On Meeting Her Husband, Doug Emhoff

Harris reflected on meeting her husband, Doug Emhoff, through a blind date set up by her best friend. Laughing, she revealed that Doug tried to set low expectations by admitting upfront that he was a bad driver. That icebreaker led to a strong, happy marriage. She shared that their first date took place at Doug’s favorite restaurant, where everyone knew his name. Harris spoke warmly about the balance they’ve found, even with their differing sports team loyalties—Harris a lifelong Warriors fan and Doug more aligned with LA teams.

Growing Up in Oakland and Her Love for the Warriors

As a proud Oakland native, Harris reminisced about growing up in the Bay Area and her love for the Golden State Warriors, particularly during the “We Believe” era. She recalled the electric atmosphere at games and how the team brought together a diverse community. Harris touched on how deeply the move of the Warriors, Raiders, and A’s from Oakland impacted her, noting the cultural and economic loss for the city.

Navigating Identity as a Black Woman

When asked about the challenges of her identity, Harris made it clear that she doesn’t let outside voices define her. She said her mother raised her and her sister to be proud Black women, and that’s the foundation she stands on. “I don’t listen to the noise,” Harris stated, explaining that those questioning her identity are often grappling with their own issues, not hers.

Step-Parenting and the Role of “Mamala”

Harris opened up about her role as a stepmom to Doug’s two children, Cole and Ella. She discussed how important it was to establish her relationship with Doug before forming bonds with his kids. They eventually coined her affectionate nickname, “Mamala.” Harris also emphasized the importance of maintaining a respectful relationship with Doug’s ex-wife, noting how essential it is for children to see healthy relationships modeled for them.

The 2024 Presidential Race

Shifting to her run for president, Harris explained the weight of being the first woman and Black woman in the race, but added that her mother instilled in her a core belief: “You may be the first, but make sure you’re not the last.” Harris expressed her commitment to opening doors for future generations and stressed the importance of ensuring opportunities for everyone, not just the exceptional few.

Supporting Small Businesses and Economic Policy

As an advocate for small businesses, Harris laid out her vision for an “opportunity economy.” She emphasized increasing access to capital for small business owners and proposed a $50,000 tax deduction for startups. She also touched on her plan to address affordable housing and boost homeownership, which she sees as a path to building intergenerational wealth, particularly for Black communities.

Mental Health Advocacy

Harris highlighted her focus on improving mental health resources, particularly in schools, and emphasized the need for communities to remove the stigma around mental health care. She underscored the importance of providing support for young people dealing with trauma, especially in underserved communities, and announced plans to increase federal funding for mental health services in schools.

Closing Thoughts

Harris concluded by reflecting on the progress America has made and the work still left to do. She shared that despite breaking glass ceilings, the fight for equality continues, reminding everyone to remain vigilant about their rights. Harris’ commitment to mentoring the next generation of leaders was clear, as she emphasized the importance of pulling others up along the way.