Talk with Fred R. Harris

Fred R. Harris is a former American politician and professor who served as a Democratic United States Senator from the state of Oklahoma from 1964 to 1973. Born on November 13, 1930, in Walters, Oklahoma, Harris was initially appointed to the U.S. Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Senator Robert S. Kerr. He was later elected in his own right and served until his decision not to seek re-election in 1972.

Harris was known for his progressive views and was actively involved in issues related to civil rights, poverty, and social justice. He was a member of the Senate's select committee on Equal Educational Opportunity and was noted for his participation in the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders (also known as the Kerner Commission), which was established to investigate the causes of the 1967 race riots in the United States and provided insight into racial dynamics and urban unrest in the U.S.

After leaving the Senate, Fred Harris became a professor of political science at the University of New Mexico and continued to be involved in politics and public policy. He made two attempts to secure the Democratic nomination for President of the United States, in 1972 and 1976, running as a populist championing causes for the working class and disadvantaged.

Harris has also authored several books on topics related to government and politics, and his career reflects his ongoing commitment to public service and advocacy for equitable social policies.

Fred R. Harris, a former U.S. Senator from Oklahoma and a member of the Democratic Party, made significant contributions to civil rights through his legislative and advocacy work. As a member of the Senate, Harris was notably progressive on issues of civil rights and social justice, especially considering his representation of a conservative state.

One of his major contributions to civil rights was his participation in the Kerner Commission, formally known as the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders. President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed him to this commission in 1967 following a series of race riots in American cities. The commission's purpose was to investigate the causes of the riots and provide recommendations for the future. The Kerner Report, published in 1968, concluded that the nation was "moving toward two societies, one black, one white—separate and unequal." It highlighted pervasive inequalities in employment, education, and housing and became a pivotal document in understanding and addressing systemic racism in the United States.

Furthermore, Harris was active in promoting legislation that aimed at combating poverty and racial discrimination. He supported policies to enhance education, healthcare, and employment opportunities for disadvantaged communities. His advocacy for civil rights continued even after he left the Senate, as he remained involved in civil rights causes and worked to promote social justice initiatives.

Additionally, Harris's broad view of civil rights included support for Native American rights. He was an advocate for better federal policies concerning Native American communities, which he viewed as an integral part of the broader civil rights movement.

Through these efforts, Fred Harris helped to shape discussions around civil rights and contributed to legislative and societal shifts that aimed to improve equality and combat racism in the United States.

Fred R. Harris, during his time in the U.S. Senate, was particularly noted for his advocacy on issues related to poverty and civil rights. As a member of the Senate, Harris was actively involved with the Senate Subcommittee on Employment, Manpower, and Poverty. One of his significant contributions was his support for and involvement in the expansion of the Economic Opportunity Act, which was originally enacted in 1964 to combat poverty across the United States as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty.

Harris also championed legislation aimed at improving education, healthcare, and housing, which indirectly addressed the roots and symptoms of poverty. Furthermore, he was known for his support of policies that would increase employment opportunities, especially in economically disadvantaged areas, thereby helping to raise the economic status of the poor.

Through his legislative efforts, Harris sought to ensure that poverty and its accompanying challenges were addressed in a comprehensive and effective manner at the federal level. His commitment to these issues was also reflected in his later work with the Democratic Party and other social initiatives outside of the Senate.

Fred R. Harris, as a U.S. Senator from Oklahoma and later as a member of various national committees, significantly impacted social justice reform in several ways. Notably, his active involvement in civil rights issues and socioeconomic reforms marked his political career.

1. Civil Rights Advocacy: Harris was a strong advocate for civil rights, working alongside other senators to support legislation aimed at ending racial discrimination. His tenure in the Senate (1964-1973) coincided with a crucial period in the civil rights movement. He supported civil rights legislation, including measures aimed at enforcing voting rights and ending segregation.

2. Chairman of the Democratic National Committee (DNC): As DNC chairman from 1969 to 1970, Harris played a crucial role in promoting a more inclusive approach within the Democratic Party. This period was significant for integrating more diverse and younger voices into the party structure, aligning with broader social justice movements of the time.

3. Economic Reforms: Harris was also concerned with addressing economic inequalities. He supported policies aimed at improving the welfare of poorer communities, advocating for better housing, healthcare, and education. His focus extended to rural and urban development, emphasizing the necessity of government intervention in alleviating poverty and promoting social welfare.

4. Presidential Campaigns: Harris ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1976 and 1980, prominently featuring themes of social justice and equity in his campaigns. Although he was not successful, his campaigns helped to highlight issues related to economic inequality and social justice, keeping them on the national agenda.

5. Post-Senate Advocacy: After retiring from the Senate, Harris continued his advocacy for social justice through writing and academics. He wrote several books addressing issues like American politics, the plight of Native Americans, and social inequality, while teaching and inspiring a new generation about the importance of social justice.

Through these efforts, Fred R. Harris contributed significantly to social justice reform, championing the causes of civil rights, economic equality, and greater inclusivity within political processes.

Fred R. Harris significantly influenced the Democratic Party through his progressive policies and his role in reforming the party's structure and electoral strategies. As a U.S. Senator from Oklahoma from 1964 to 1973, Harris championed various social issues, including civil rights, education reform, and poverty reduction, aligning with the more liberal factions within the party.

One of Harris's major contributions to the Democratic Party was his involvement with the Democratic National Committee (DNC), where he co-chaired the Reform Commission. This commission was instrumental in implementing changes after the tumultuous 1968 Democratic National Convention. Under his co-leadership, the commission helped to open up the party's nominating process, making it more transparent and inclusive. These changes led to a significant increase in the participation of minorities, women, and young people in the Democratic process, which reshaped party dynamics and strategy.

These reforms not only altered the Democratic Party's internal structure but also influenced its electoral tactics and the coalition-building strategies that are still pertinent today. Harris's advocacy for inclusivity and reform not only marked a turning point in how the Democratic Party operated but also helped to usher in a new era of political engagement for previously underrepresented groups.

Fred R. Harris (born November 13, 1930) is a former American politician and professor who served as a U.S. Senator from Oklahoma. A member of the Democratic Party, Harris was first appointed to the Senate in 1964 to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Robert S. Kerr. He was elected for two more terms and served until January 1973. Harris is known for his work on social issues and his advocacy for civil rights and anti-poverty policies. After leaving the Senate, he became a professor of political science and continued his involvement in politics and social issues, including serving on the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders (the Kerner Commission). Harris has also authored several books on government and politics.

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