During the presidential debate, Donald Trump doubled down on questioning Kamala Harris’ race and refused to acknowledge his previous comments about her identity, stating that he doesn’t care what she is or what she wants to be. He initially made comments claiming that Harris “turned Black” for political gain, and questioned whether she was Indian or Black, despite her being of Indian and Jamaican descent. Harris responded by highlighting Trump’s divisive history with race, including discriminating against Black people in his father’s buildings and calling for the death penalty for the Exonerated Five, formerly known as the Central Park Five.
Trump’s problematic history with race includes taking out a full-page advertisement in 1989 calling for the return of the death penalty for the Central Park Five, who were later proven innocent through DNA evidence. Despite their convictions being overturned and New York City paying them a $41 million legal settlement, Trump has not apologized or walked back his comments, claiming that they had admitted guilt. During the debate, he continued to defend his actions, stating that “a lot of people” agreed with him at the time, showing no remorse for his role in the wrongful conviction of these individuals.
One of the Central Park Five, Yusef Salaam, who is now a New York City Council member, publicly condemned Trump’s comments at the recent Democratic National Convention, stating that Trump wanted them dead and expressed disbelief that he still stands by the original guilty verdict despite the actual perpetrator confessing and DNA evidence proving their innocence. Trump’s refusal to apologize or acknowledge his role in this egregious miscarriage of justice has further galvanized criticism of his attitudes towards race and justice, particularly given the extensive evidence exonerating the Central Park Five.
Harris described Trump’s history with race as “tragic,” pointing to his discrimination against Black individuals and support for the death penalty for innocent men. She emphasized the need for better leadership and representation in the country, suggesting that Trump’s comments and actions are not reflective of what the American people want or deserve. By highlighting these issues during the debate and drawing attention to Trump’s divisive rhetoric, Harris sought to underscore the importance of racial justice and equality in the upcoming election, positioning herself as a champion for those marginalized and targeted by Trump’s harmful policies and actions.
Through his refusal to apologize or acknowledge his role in the wrongful conviction of the Central Park Five and continued defense of his actions, Trump has underscored his troubling attitudes towards race and justice. Despite DNA evidence exonerating the men and a significant legal settlement acknowledging their wrongful conviction, Trump has persisted in his belief in their guilt, demonstrating a concerning lack of empathy and accountability for his past actions. As the election approaches, his attitudes towards race, justice, and accountability are likely to become increasingly prominent issues, as voters weigh the implications of these beliefs on the future direction of the country.
