Republicans criticize Kamala Harris for diversity hiring.
In the wake of President Biden endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor in the upcoming 2024 presidential race, several Republican lawmakers have made controversial remarks casting doubt on her qualifications. Accusations of her being a “DEI” hire, which stands for diversity, equity, and inclusion, have dominated the discussion.
GOP Representative Tim Burchett of Tennessee labeled Harris as a “DEI vice president,” while Representative Harriet Hageman of Wyoming referred to her as a “DEI hire” and went so far as to call her intellect “the bottom of the barrel.” Representative Glenn Grothman of Wisconsin insinuated that Democrats are sticking with Harris due to her ethnic background.
Despite these claims, it’s crucial to recognize that Vice President Harris boasts an extensive political career spanning several decades. She has successfully won statewide elections in California for both U.S. Senate and state attorney general positions. Her journey began back in 2004 when she won her first race for San Francisco district attorney.
However, not all Republicans are aligning with the rhetoric surrounding Harris. Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy dismissed the attacks on Harris, deeming them “totally stupid and dumb.” Other party members have echoed this sentiment, urging their colleagues to focus on policies rather than resorting to personal attacks.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson emphasized that the election should be about policies and not Harris’ ethnicity or gender. He underscored the need to maintain a professional discourse throughout the political process.
Further complicating the narrative, Ohio Senator JD Vance, who is now running as Donald Trump’s vice presidential candidate, made disparaging remarks about Harris, referring to the country as being led by “childless cat ladies,” which included Harris. This attack on her gender is not new, as supporters of the former president have long targeted her with derogatory comments.
In a personal statement, Harris’ stepdaughter praised her as one of her three parents, highlighting the strong familial bond they share. Additionally, the first gentleman Doug Emhoff’s ex-wife commended Harris for her role as a co-parent and for her unwavering love and support.
Delving into Harris’ past, critics have sought to undermine her political career by insinuating that her relationship with Willie Brown, who held political positions in California, propelled her advancement. However, Harris has consistently defended herself against these claims, emphasizing her independence and dedication to public service.
The scrutiny faced by Harris reflects broader challenges that women, especially women of color, encounter in politics. A Pew study revealed that women often face higher expectations and scrutiny compared to men when seeking high political office. These biases contribute to the unfounded doubts surrounding Harris’ qualifications and achievements.
Nina Jankowicz, a disinformation researcher and advocate for gender equality, has highlighted the gendered attacks faced by women in politics, including Harris. In her research, she found that a significant portion of disinformation targeted at female candidates was directed at Harris during her tenure as the Democratic vice presidential nominee.
Despite the baseless attacks against her, Harris’ track record as a senator and vice president speaks for itself. Her accomplishments and dedication to public service are evident, regardless of the unfounded criticisms she continues to face.
