An Alabama state representative has suggested that Vice President Kamala Harris is being targeted with accusations of using sexual relationships to further her career solely because of her race and political beliefs. Without these factors, it is unlikely that such attacks would be directed towards her as she launches her 2024 presidential campaign.
According to Representative Juandalynn Givan, a Democrat from Birmingham, if Kamala Harris, who is a person of color with Black and South Asian heritage, were a white Republican, she would not be targeted with the same attacks.
Givan brought up the name of Alabama’s junior U.S. senator to assert that Harris is being subjected to a double standard.
Givan expressed his views to WTVY, stating that there are people who believe that the only reason Katie Britt has reached her current position is by using her sexuality. He questioned whether Britt had to use such tactics to become a U.S. Senator.
According to AL.com, Givan clarified that she was not leveling any accusations against Britt, a white woman. Rather, Givan was highlighting the fact that Britt has not faced the same kind of criticism that Harris has encountered.
Givan made it clear that attacking a person’s policy and job performance is acceptable, but attacking them based on their gender or race is not acceptable. He emphasized that derogatory terms such as “ho” or “DEI” should not be used to describe a successful woman of color like Kamala Harris. Givan also called out white Republican Alabamians or Americans who propagate such ideas and urged them to refrain from spreading such baseless and offensive claims.
Givan expressed his fondness for Katie and stated that he doesn’t hold any grudges against her. However, he emphasized that she doesn’t have to face the issue at hand, which is the crux of his argument.
At the moment, there has been no response from Britt’s office regarding Givan’s statement.
After President Joe Biden withdrew from the presidential race, Democrats rallied around Harris as the presumptive nominee. However, there were attacks directed towards her, suggesting that her political career was furthered by her relationships with powerful men.
According to Reuters, Harris faced allegations that she dated Willie Brown, who was the mayor of San Francisco at the time, while he was still married. However, it has been clarified that Brown was separated from his wife during the period of their relationship.
According to Givan, Harris deserves recognition for her achievements as a former U.S. senator and California attorney general, which were earned through hard work and talent.
According to reports, House Speaker Mike Johnson, who is a Republican from Louisiana, urged fellow House members to avoid making any derogatory comments about Kamala Harris’ gender or race.
According to the Associated Press, Johnson clarified to reporters that his stance on Kamala Harris is not a personal one, and that her ethnicity or gender are irrelevant to the matter at hand.
Givan responded to those who criticized Harris by posing a series of questions: “Do you possess a GED? Have you obtained a high school diploma? Have you earned a baccalaureate degree? Perhaps a Masters? And, do you have a doctorate of jurisprudence?”
“She possesses a multitude of qualities that make her a DEI. To insinuate that her success is solely based on sexual favors is a fallacy. Instead, we should be asking, what attributes led to her achieving her current status? She is destined for greatness, extraordinary in her abilities, and holds an imperial presence – all characteristics of a DEI. Additionally, she exudes a deliciously gorgeous, exceptional, and intriguing persona, further solidifying her status as a DEI.”