Republican Leaders Urge Party to Avoid Racist and Sexist Attacks on Kamala Harris

Republican leaders are advising party members to avoid racist and sexist rhetoric in their attacks on Kamala Harris as they adjust their strategies for the upcoming election. This guidance follows the unexpected shift in the Democratic presidential race with Harris emerging as a potential nominee less than four months before the election.

At a recent closed-door meeting, Richard Hudson, chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee, emphasized the importance of focusing criticism on Harris's role in the Biden-Harris administration's policies rather than her personal characteristics. House Speaker Mike Johnson echoed this sentiment, stating, “This election will be about policies and not personalities. Her ethnicity or gender have nothing to do with this whatsoever.”

The Republican caution comes as Trump’s campaign and other party members scramble to recalibrate their approach. Trump's history of controversial remarks poses a risk of alienating crucial voter demographics, including suburban women, voters of color, and younger individuals. Some Trump allies have already begun framing Harris, a former district attorney and senator, as a product of "DEI" (diversity, equity, and inclusion) initiatives, a move criticized as intellectually unsubstantiated.

Representative Harriet Hageman from Wyoming described Harris's selection as a "DEI hire," a remark she made during a TV interview, suggesting Harris's credentials were less significant than her identity. This characterization has been part of a broader Republican effort to link Harris to unpopular aspects of Biden’s presidency, such as his economic policies and management of the southern border.

Following President Biden’s announcement of his withdrawal from the race, Republicans have intensified their focus on Harris, tying her to contentious aspects of the Biden administration. Trump’s campaign officials have accused Harris of complicity in alleged cover-ups related to Biden’s health and have scrutinized her record as a prosecutor to label her as lenient on crime.

Despite the shifting dynamics, Trump campaign pollster Tony Fabrizio contends that fundamental issues such as the economy, inflation, and foreign policy remain central to the campaign narrative. In a memo, Fabrizio argued that voters’ dissatisfaction with current conditions will persist regardless of the Democratic nominee. “The Democrats deposing one nominee for another does NOT change voters' discontent over the economy, inflation, crime, the open border, and other pressing issues,” he stated.

As the Republican Party navigates this new phase of the election cycle, the emphasis remains on maintaining a focus on policy debates rather than personal attacks.