A former NASCAR and IndyCar champion ignites political discourse ahead of the presidential election by criticizing Vice President Kamala Harris's stance on a California ballot measure.
According to the Daily Mail, Danica Patrick spoke at a Donald Trump rally in Pennsylvania on Sunday, where she raised concerns about Harris's refusal to disclose her vote on Proposition 36.
The measure aims to strengthen criminal penalties for drugs and shoplifting offenses in California. Patrick took to social media platform X to express her skepticism about Harris's decision to keep her vote private. She drew parallels between this behavior and relationship dynamics, suggesting it could indicate deeper concerns.
Proposition 36 emerged a decade after California's previous initiative that downgraded numerous nonviolent felony crimes to misdemeanors. The 2014 measure aimed to create a more equitable criminal justice system and reduce mass incarceration.
The current proposition seeks to partially reverse the 2014 law. It would make theft a felony for individuals with two prior theft convictions and increase sentences for certain theft and drug-related offenses. The measure would also classify fentanyl possession as a felony.
Recent polls by the Public Policy Institute of California indicate strong public support, with 71% of likely voters favoring the proposition.
The initiative has garnered bipartisan backing, including endorsements from 180 Democratic elected officials and major retailers.
Speaking to thousands in Lititz, Pennsylvania, Patrick, who revealed she had never voted before, delivered her remarks without prepared notes.
She stated:
I'm not paid to be here. I don't have a teleprompter. I'm winging this right now, everybody. I don't need a telephone. I never went to a Diddy party. I'm doing this because I love this country and there's nobody that's been tested more than Trump.
The former racing star's comments highlighted her authenticity while taking aim at celebrity endorsements for the Democratic campaign. Her reference to unpaid advocacy contrasted with other public figures supporting various candidates.
The measure has attracted both support and opposition from prominent figures in California politics. Governor Gavin Newsom and Democratic legislative leaders stand against the proposition, arguing it would reverse progress in criminal justice reform.
Critics warn the measure could increase California's prison population and require additional funding at state and county levels. The Legislative Analyst's Office projects the proposition would reduce available resources for drug treatment and mental health services.
If passed, Proposition 36 would represent a significant shift in California's approach to criminal justice, potentially affecting tens of thousands of individuals, particularly within minority communities. The debate continues to intensify as election day approaches, with Harris's position remaining undisclosed.
