Photo by Aaron Watts

By Colin Royal, Editor-in-Chief

CHICAGO – Morehouse alumni Senator Raphael Warnock ’91 reflected on the highly successful Democratic National Convention, expressed his excitement for Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign, and acknowledged the importance of student voters in an exclusive interview with the Maroon Tiger Sunday morning.

The interview was full of comparisons. Warnock made sure to express his enthusiasm for Harris and his caution and weariness that stemmed from Donald Trump’s attempt to return to the White House.

“I would remind you that elections are about a choice, and it is not a multiple choice exam, if you will,” Warnock said. “There are two choices, and the contrast between these two candidates could not be more stark. You literally have a criminal running against the prosecutor.”

Warnock criticized Trump throughout the interview. The Senator cited Trump’s numerous occurrences of spreading false information, his poor treatment of women, his refusal to recognize women’s bodily autonomy, and his predisposition to sow chaos. In favor of Harris, Warnock showered praises on the Democratic nominee.

He cited her contribution to President Joe Biden’s administration raising $160 billion for student debt relief and $16 billion for HBCUs. Warnock also emphasized Harris’ commitment to women’s rights. Given the two candidates and the bipartisan nature of the U.S. government, Warnock stressed the importance of voting.

“You should ask yourself if you want, by your action or inaction, to put Donald Trump a little bit closer to the Oval Office,” he said. “I think the answer to that is no. Kamala Harris, our fellow HBCU graduate, is the woman for this moment.”

For him, the choice is clear, and he believes the same is true for those who want to see the country progress and move into a brighter future.

“She is clearly the change candidate,” he said. “She is the person who wants to move the country forward.”

Warnock closed the interview by comparing the Republican National Convention with the DNC. Remarking on the stark difference in the level of diversity and inclusion, he believed that the DNC was a more accurate representation of America – a place full of variety and unique perspectives.

“Our convention this week was diverse not only in terms of race and religion, the broad ideological perspective within the Democratic Party itself, but we had Republicans on the stage,” he said. Warnock quoted former Georgia Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan, a conservative Republican who addressed the DNC, saying, “A vote for Kamala Harris doesn’t make you a Democrat. It makes you a patriot.”

Copy Edited by Journalism Department Chair, Ron Thomas