Radio host Charlamagne Tha God has sparked a debate about Vice President Kamala Harris and her approach to engaging with Black voters. On Monday’s episode of “The Breakfast Club,” Charlamagne responded to a controversial statement made by rapper Plies, who suggested that Black voters should not demand explanations from Harris regarding her policies.
Plies, known for his outspoken views, posted a video online criticizing Black men who support former President Donald Trump. In his rant, he argued that Harris should not be required to explain her policies to Black voters, claiming that people were more lenient with Trump, who often avoided detailed explanations of his own policies. “Stop asking a Black woman to explain herself to you,” Plies said, urging voters to simply support Harris without questioning her.
“The whole point of the campaign season is for candidates to go out there and explain to the American people why they should be the one in charge of this country. Votes are earned, not given,” Charlamagne Tha God said.
Charlamagne disagreed strongly with Plies’ message, emphasizing the importance of holding all political candidates accountable, regardless of race or gender. “Plies is absolutely, positively wrong,” Charlamagne stated during his show. “If people are asking questions, that’s great. The whole point of the campaign season is for candidates to go out there and explain to the American people why they should be the one in charge of this country. Votes are earned, not given. And they are earned by you going out there and explaining yourself.”
Charlamagne argued that questioning political leaders is a fundamental part of the democratic process. He expressed concern over the idea that Black voters should “just settle” for any candidate without demanding transparency or clarity on their policies. “I don’t understand Plies or any Black person for that matter, telling Black people to ‘just settle,’” Charlamagne said. “Just accept whatever the candidate is giving you. Don’t ask questions, just vote. They don’t have to explain anything to us. No.”
The radio host’s comments come at a time when Harris is facing scrutiny for her lack of press engagement since launching her presidential campaign. The Vice President has not held any formal press conferences or sit-down interviews in over a month, raising concerns among some voters and media outlets.
Charlamagne pointed out that Harris is under more pressure to explain her policies and record because she joined the race late and is running for the highest office in the country. “By the way, she knows that. This isn’t the vice president’s first rodeo,” he remarked, referring to her experience as California’s attorney general and as a U.S. senator.
Despite his criticism, Charlamagne acknowledged that Harris’ strategy of focusing on voter outreach, rather than media appearances, may be effective in the short term. “I think what she’s been doing has worked because you know what she’s been doing is hitting the ground,” he said, noting her active presence at campaign events and voter engagements. “She’ll get to interviews after the DNC. But, you know, this week I think she’s got bigger fish to fry, like going out there tomorrow and knocking a home run speech out the park.”
As the campaign continues, Charlamagne’s comments highlight the ongoing conversation about the role of accountability and transparency in politics, especially within the Black community. His insistence that voters should demand answers from candidates underscores the belief that political leaders must earn the trust and support of their constituents through open dialogue and clear policy positions.
