Harris Calls Trump’s Attack On Her Racial Identity ‘Same Old Show,’ Says ‘America Deserves Better’

In a heated interaction at the National Association of Black Journalists conference Wednesday night, former President Donald Trump attacked Vice President Kamala Harris’ racial identity, suggesting that she “turned black” for her own benefit.

The accusation signifies a turn in Trump’s reaction to Joe Biden dropping out of the presidential race, as the former president now has pivoted his attacks on Harris. Throughout her life, Harris has identified herself as a black woman, even attending Howard University for her undergraduate education, a historically black university.

Trump was met with jeers from the crowd after he said that Harris “was always of Indian heritage, and she was only promoting Indian heritage,” but “all of a sudden, she made a turn, and she became a black person. So I don’t know, is she Indian or is she black?”

Harris was quick to respond to the attack, calling his actions “the divisiveness and the disrespect” of Trump, commenting that this is “the same old show.” Discussing Trump’s statements, she explained that “America deserves better,” during her rally in Texas.

“The American people deserve a leader who tells the truth. A leader who does not respond with hostility and anger when confronted with the facts. We deserve a leader who understands that our differences do not divide us – they are an essential source of our strength,” Harris concluded, shrugging off her opponent’s harsh words.

Others, including Harris’ husband, Douglas Emhoff, have come to the defense of the vice president, saying that no one can decide her identity but herself.

The insensitive remarks come after both Biden and Trump’s efforts to garner black voter support for their candidacies. Sen. Tim Scott (R-South Carolina) previously launched a $14 million campaign to rally Latino and black voters to back Trump.

Before Biden dropped out of the presidential race, his campaign was focused on animating black voters to reelect Biden. 

Article by Tessa Powers