- Kamala Harris responds to Trump's racist attack
In Chicago, the city where Democrats are set to nominate Kamala Harris as their presidential candidate, former Republican President Donald Trump appeared before the National Association of Black Journalists and quickly stirred up trouble. Not just with those present, but with many Americans, voters, and especially Kamala Harris.
"Same Old Show: Divisiveness and Disrespect"
"Those four years are still fresh in our minds, and today we've had a little reminder," Democratic Senator Harris commented to students in Houston, Texas, responding to Trump's remarks: "Same old show: divisiveness and disrespect. Let me say this: the American people deserve better. We deserve someone at the helm who tells the truth. Someone who doesn't react to facts with anger and hate."
Harris also spoke to a predominantly black audience at Sigma Gamma Rho sorority, receiving enthusiastic applause when she struck a unifying tone: "We deserve leadership that understands that our differences do not divide us, but are the source of our strength."
"Harris Wants to Be Known as Black"
During his routine press appearance, former President Trump personally attacked Kamala Harris and made fun of her heritage: "She was always Indian, and she only started playing that card when it was convenient for her. I didn't know she was black until she suddenly decided she was a few years ago. Now she wants to be known as black."
Trump continued, "I don't know, is she Indian or is she black?" He claimed to respect both, but Harris apparently does not, given her "flip-flop" on the issue. "Someone should look into that."
Harris' Parents: Jamaican Father, Indian Mother
Harris is the first woman, the first black person, and the first person of Asian descent to assume the office of US Vice President. Born in Oakland, California, her father immigrated from Jamaica to study economics, and her mother, a cancer researcher and civil rights activist, came from India.
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The stern team on the ground keeps you informed every Saturday in the free newsletter "Inside America" about the most important developments and gives insights into how Americans really view their country. After confirming your email address, you will receive an email to confirm your subscription. Your data will always be treated confidentially. Harris' campaign responded to Trump's statements before her appearance with a post on X, formerly Twitter, calling his on-stage hostility "the same hostility he's shown his entire life, during his administration, and during his presidential campaign." They characterized Trump's entire campaign as one of chaos and division.
Donald Trump Has Lied About Barack Obama Before
The White House also reacted angrily. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called the remarks "offensive" and "reprehensible." Jean-Pierre, the second black woman to hold the position, said: "No one has the right to tell someone who they are or how they identify."
Trump had already given racist conspiracy theories room in 2020 before Harris' inauguration. They questioned whether she could even become vice president because her parents were not U.S. citizens at her birth. Years earlier, Trump had participated in conspiracy theories that challenged former President Barack Obama's birthplace and thus his qualification for the highest office. Trump was then one of the most prominent proponents of the theory that Obama was born in Kenya. Obama, the first black president of the United States, was born in the U.S. state of Hawaii.
"Done more for blacks than any president since Lincoln"
In May, the native New Yorker Trump surprised with an appearance in the South Bronx. The almost exclusively black and Latino population rarely votes Republican. In Crotona Park, he confidently stated about his presidency: "We've done more for the black population than any other president since Abraham Lincoln." Lincoln had led a bloody war against the seceding southern states over slavery and abolished it in 1865.
While black voters traditionally overwhelmingly vote for Democrats, they have also become interesting for Republicans in recent years. According to the latest polls, Trump can count on at least 20 percent of black voters. However, these numbers are from before Joe Biden's withdrawal as presidential candidate. Half of African Americans rejected him, just as many rejected Donald Trump.
Donald Trump receives support from his vice-presidential candidate J.D. Vance: Asked about Trump's remarks, he said the reactions were "hysterical." He added, "I think he highlighted the basic chameleon-like nature of Kamala Harris. She's flipped on every issue. She's a liar. She's a liar."
"In response to Trump's remarks during his appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists, many Republicans distanced themselves from his comments, highlighting the party's efforts to appeal to a broader demographic beyond its traditional base."
"Despite these efforts, the Republican Party continues to face criticism for its handling of racial and ethnic issues, with some observers arguing that Trump's divisive language and policies have damaged the party's reputation among minority voters."
