Ohio Sen. JD Vance, Donald Trump's running mate, recently defended a false claim made by the former president regarding Vice President Kamala Harris' racial identity. Vance suggested that Harris had downplayed her Black heritage, insinuating that she was inauthentic. This claim was in response to Trump's assertion that Harris, the daughter of Jamaican and Indian immigrants, had only recently identified as Black. Vance and other Republicans have criticized Harris for allegedly portraying herself differently depending on her audience.
Former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele noted that some Republicans are perpetuating Trump's falsehoods in an attempt to stay in his favor. Harris has refrained from directly addressing Trump's false claim, instead condemning his divisive rhetoric. Throughout her career, Harris has openly embraced both her Black and Indian heritage, holding various positions that highlight her cultural background.
Despite Trump's personal attacks on Harris, some Republican strategists have criticized him for not focusing on key issues like the economy or immigration. Vance previously criticized Harris for using a 'fake Southern accent' during a campaign event. The criticism of Harris' racial identity overlooks the increasing number of individuals who identify as multiracial.
Rashawn Ray, a scholar on racial and social inequity, highlighted that questioning Harris' Blackness is an attempt to undermine her qualifications for the presidency, similar to Trump's past attacks on President Barack Obama. Ray emphasized that some individuals use race to cast doubt on Harris' Americanness and electability, relying on superficial judgments rather than substantive considerations.
