The political landscape is intensifying as the U.S. approaches the November 5 presidential election. Kamala Harris, the first woman and first Black and South Asian person to serve as Vice President, faces a barrage of racist and sexist attacks from Republican quarters. Former President Donald Trump has been particularly vocal, branding her “crazy,” “nuts,” and “dumb as a rock.” Such attacks threaten to overshadow Republican efforts to critique Harris based on policy rather than personal grounds.
Trump’s inflammatory remarks, echoed by his supporters, have sparked concern within Republican circles. Some worry that these attacks may alienate crucial voter demographics, including Black voters, a group that Trump has actively courted. P Rae Easley, a Black conservative radio show host and member of the “Black Americans for Trump” coalition, emphasized the need for restraint, stating, “I think there is a way to critique her without going underneath her clothes.”
Despite the concerted efforts of some Republicans to steer the focus back to policy issues, the derogatory rhetoric persists. Representative Dusty Johnson, chair of the Republican Main Street Caucus, highlighted his opposition to Harris based on her actions rather than her identity. “Some of this ugliness is unbecoming of a great country,” Johnson remarked, reflecting a sentiment shared by several of his colleagues.
The tension within the party is palpable. While some argue that the personal attacks mirror the Democrats’ scrutiny of Trump’s personal life, others, like Republican pollster Whit Ayres, warn that such tactics are counterproductive. Ayres, who has worked on high-profile campaigns for figures like Senator Marco Rubio and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, stated, “Going after Kamala Harris as a ‘DEI hire’ is breathtakingly stupid. It’s going to backfire.”
The term “DEI hire,” referring to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, has been weaponized to suggest Harris’s lack of qualifications. This narrative, however, risks alienating not just women but also voters who do not align with the far-right.
Trump’s spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, maintained that voters would reject Harris based on her policies, not her identity. Meanwhile, Harris remains focused on her duties, with her campaign generating significant grassroots support. “These attacks are backfiring and even Republicans know it,” said Harris spokesperson Sarafina Chitika.
Online, the vitriol against Harris has escalated, with some posts resorting to sexual and derogatory comments about her personal life. Disinformation researchers note that these attacks lack a centralized origin and are often amplifications of existing narratives. Representative Michael Cloud defended such attacks, erroneously attributing the “DEI hire” label to President Biden, who has consistently supported DEI values.
Trump’s attacks on Harris, mocking her laugh and calling her “Laffin’ Kamala” and “Lyin’ Kamala,” play into racial and gender stereotypes. Kelly Dittmar, a political science professor at Rutgers University, observed that these nicknames aim to caricature Harris negatively, highlighting underlying racial undertones.
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, after a meeting urging members to focus on policy issues, stated, “This campaign will be about policies.” Despite this, the reality on the ground shows that personal attacks continue to dominate the discourse.
Easley and other Black Republican women stress the importance of countering Harris without resorting to racism. Corrin Rankin, vice chair of the California Republican Party, underscored the unfairness of the “DEI hire” narrative. Camilla Moore, chair of the Georgia Black Republican Council, hopes Trump’s advisers will mitigate these personal attacks, fearing long-term damage to the party’s reputation.
As the election nears, the Republican Party grapples with balancing policy critiques against the backdrop of divisive rhetoric, a challenge that could shape the outcome at the ballot box.
