According to an Alabama state representative, Vice President Kamala Harris is only facing accusations of using sexual relationships to advance her career as she launches her 2024 presidential campaign because of her race and political beliefs.
Rep. Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham, pointed out that if Harris, who is Black and South Asian and the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, were a white Republican, such attacks would not be directed towards her.
Givan brought up the name of Alabama’s junior U.S. senator as he suggested that Harris is facing a double standard.
Givan expressed his disbelief in those who believe that Katie Britt, a woman currently running for the U.S. Senate, achieved her success through sexual favors. In a statement to Dothan television station WTVY, Givan asked, “Did Katie Britt lay on hers to get to the (U.S.) Senate?” He criticized the notion that a woman’s success must be attributed to her physical appearance or sexuality.
In an interview with AL.com, Givan clarified that she was not making any accusations against Britt, who is a white woman. Instead, she was pointing out that Britt has not faced the same level of criticism that Harris has.
Givan stated that criticizing her policy or job performance is one thing, but making derogatory comments about her personal life is unacceptable. He specifically mentioned that it is not acceptable for white Republican Alabamians or Americans to make baseless claims about her success being a result of immoral actions. Such comments include calling her a DEI, a ho, or any other derogatory term.
Givan expressed his affection towards Katie, stating that he doesn’t have any issues with her. However, he pointed out that she doesn’t have to handle the situation, which is the crux of his argument.
Givan’s statement did not receive an immediate comment from Britt’s office.
After President Joe Biden withdrew from the presidential race, Democrats came together to support Harris as the presumptive nominee. However, Harris faced criticisms that her political career was advanced due to her relationships with influential men.
According to Reuters, despite the accusations claiming that Harris had dated then-married San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown in the 1990s, it is important to note that Brown was actually separated from his wife during the time of their relationship.
According to Givan, Harris’ career is based on merit and he defended the former U.S. senator and California attorney general.
According to reports, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., urged all members of the House to avoid making any derogatory comments about Vice President Kamala Harris’ race or gender.
According to the Associated Press, Johnson reassured reporters that his actions towards Kamala Harris were not personal, and that her ethnicity or gender played no role in his decision.
Givan responded to Harris’ critics by questioning their level of education. He asked if they had obtained a GED, high school diploma, baccalaureate, Masters, or even a doctorate of jurisprudence.
“She embodies so many qualities that make her a DEI. It’s unfair to reduce her success to her physical appearance alone. Instead, we must ask ourselves, ‘How did she achieve what she has?’ It’s clear that she is destined for greatness and possesses exceptional talents, making her imperial – a true DEI. She is not only deliciously gorgeous, but also intriguing and exceptional in every way.”
