Vice President Kamala Harris, in her first full day of campaigning for the presidency, quickly gained enough delegates to secure the Democratic nomination and raised an impressive $81 million. However, within 24 hours of her announcement, some Republicans began attacking her, focusing on her race rather than her qualifications. Tennessee Republican Rep. Tim Burchett insinuated that Joe Biden chose Harris as his running mate solely because she is Black, calling her a “DEI hire” and criticizing her record.
This attack on Harris based on her race is reminiscent of the tactics Republicans used during Barack Obama’s presidential campaign in 2008, where they spread conspiracy theories about his birthplace. Political analysts warn that this could be a sign of what is to come in the lead-up to the election. Democratic strategist Keith Boykin compares this strategy to the Republican “Southern Strategy” of the 1960s, where racial grievance was used to appeal to White voters.
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson later addressed Burchett’s comments, emphasizing that the election should focus on policies rather than personalities. He stated that Harris’ ethnicity and gender should not be factors in evaluating her qualifications. However, the backlash to Burchett’s remarks was swift, with many pointing out that his comments perpetuated racist stereotypes about women of color, particularly Black women, in the workplace. Harris has a long career as a prosecutor, district attorney, attorney general, and senator before becoming vice president.
Despite Harris’ extensive experience and qualifications, some continue to rely on identity politics to sway voters. Boykin notes the hypocrisy in attacking Harris based on her race while ignoring the lack of experience and qualifications in other candidates. He emphasizes that Harris has a strong background and should not be reduced to a diversity hire simply because she is a Black woman. The value of diversity has been overshadowed by these attacks, turning it into a slur, according to former South Carolina Democratic state representative Bakari Sellers.
Looking ahead to the campaign, Sellers warns that Republicans may resort to extreme tactics to undermine Harris, not realizing her resilience and strength as a fighter. The attacks on Harris based on her race are seen as an attempt to discredit her achievements and qualifications, rather than engaging in substantive policy debates. Despite the challenges she may face, Harris’ track record and determination have positioned her as a formidable candidate for the presidency. It remains to be seen how the issue of race will continue to play a role in the political discourse surrounding Harris and the presidential campaign.
