Kamala Harris Faces Criticism as 2024 Presidential Race Heats Up

Kamal Harris, the former U.S. Senator and now the Vice President, is all set to run as the Democratic Party’s presumed nominee for the upcoming presidential election. She’s gearing up to face off against Donald Trump, a former president and a convicted felon. The criticism aimed at Harris from conservative circles often boils down to claims that she is just a ‘DEI hire.’

This narrative isn’t new. It echoes sentiments I faced when I joined Variety as their new awards editor back in August 2020. Despite my extensive experience, many comments suggested my hiring was merely an act of promoting diversity rather than recognizing talent. It’s an unfortunate theme that continues to resurface.

Some of the more cutting remarks included claims like, ‘Variety found their George Floyd,’ and questions about whether I had any credentials beyond my race. It’s disheartening to see that similar tactics are being used against Harris. Remarkably accomplished in her own right, she is often labeled as incompetent simply because of her race and gender.

For instance, U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett from Tennessee recently referred to Harris as a ‘DEI hire’ and stated that the ‘incompetency level is at an all-time high in Washington.’ Such negativity reflects a broader trend of using DEI initiatives as a way to undermine the achievements of people of color.

It’s not just Burchett; many others, including Trump himself, have chimed in. On his Truth Social platform, he called Harris ‘dumb as rocks,’ which speaks volumes about the attitude towards female leaders, particularly those from minority backgrounds.

The criticism doesn’t just stop there. JD Vance, who is vying to be Trump’s VP, suggested that Harris should show more gratitude, aiming to belittle her accomplishments further. Such comments illustrate a growing trend where people of color who excel are seen more as quotas to be filled rather than individuals deserving of success.

The attacks against Harris are not just part of a political battle; they also reflect a societal issue where the hard work of women and people of color is often dismissed. This negative rhetoric against DEI initiatives gains traction, as seen in recent laws and Supreme Court decisions that have rolled back race-conscious admissions.

In an astonishing online event, significant funds were raised to empower Harris during her campaign, reflecting a strong show of unity among her supporters. Similar events focused on raising support have occurred, with Black women being crucial players in propelling the Democratic Party’s success, as they were instrumental in Joe Biden’s win in 2020.

This dynamic underscores the importance of supporting leaders like Harris and combating the racist and misogynistic attacks she faces without exploiting the pain that often accompanies these discussions. It’s crucial not to view success through a DEI lens, but to recognize that achievements are based on merit and resilience.