Viewpoints have flared after Tennessee Republican Representative Tim Burchett referred to Vice President Kamala Harris as a ‘DEI hire’, short for diversity, equity, and inclusion, sparking criticism and raising concerns about the potential tone of the upcoming election season.
Questioning Racial Motivations
Burchett’s comments, made in a recent interview, portrayed Harris as Vice President merely due to her racial background and gender, expressing his belief that her selection by President Joe Biden was purely based on diversity considerations as opposed to merit or ability. The Congressman didn’t mince his words as he asserted, “One hundred percent she is a DEI hire,” blatantly attributing her Vice Presidency to her racial and gender identity, asserting that her political record was ‘abysmal at best’.
Such a portrayal of Harris has been criticised, with some commentators likening Burchett’s comments to the smear campaigns carried out against Barack Obama during the 2008 election concerning his birthplace. This raises concerns that such tactics could become commonplace in the presidential race, further adding to a politically charged climate.
Harris’s Track Record of Excellence
Many have pointed out the irony that such allegations have been directed at Harris, an experienced and competent politician with an accomplished background. Before ascending to her role as Vice President, Harris served as the district attorney for San Francisco, the attorney general of California, and the United States senator for California, achievements that clearly underline her capabilities and expertise.
Response to the ‘DEI’ Remark
Rebuffing Burchett’s remarks, Mike Johnson, the Republican House Speaker, emphasized the need to focus on policies, not personalities. In a news conference, he stated, “This is not personal, with regard to Kamala Harris, and her ethnicity or her gender had nothing to do with this whatsoever.” His reply highlights the need for a discussion focused on political competence rather than personal attributes.
Backfiring of Negative Tactics
Political experts have also warned that such tactics may backfire on those who employ them. Republicans’ focus on Harris’s gender and race rather the substance of her political track record could potentially galvanize her supporters, significantly boosting her prospects.
Significance of the Controversy
Pronouncements such as Burchett’s on Harris’s role as a ‘DEI hire’ are not just controversial; they underline the still-present racial and gender prejudices in politics. These comments serve as a realization of the long road that lies ahead in ensuring that political discourse no longer caters to these biases and instead treats politicians as individuals with their own merits, abilities, and qualities.
