On Wednesday, August 12th, President Donald Trump appeared before the National Association of Black Journalists in Chicago, where he made false and inflammatory comments about Vice Presidential candidate Kamala Harris. The event, which was intended to be a discussion on the state of black America, quickly turned hostile as Trump’s remarks sparked outrage and backlash from the audience.
During the event, Trump falsely questioned Harris’ race, stating that she “doesn’t meet the requirements” to be Vice President because she was not born in the United States. This statement is not only blatantly false, but also a thinly veiled attempt to undermine Harris’ legitimacy as a candidate. Harris, who was born in Oakland, California, is a natural-born citizen and meets all the requirements to hold the position of Vice President.
This is not the first time Trump has made baseless claims about Harris’ race. In the past, he has also falsely accused her of being ineligible to run for President due to her parents’ immigration status. These attacks on Harris’ identity are not only offensive, but they also perpetuate harmful and racist stereotypes.
The National Association of Black Journalists, whose mission is to “strengthen ties among African-American journalists,” was understandably outraged by Trump’s remarks. The organization released a statement condemning the President’s comments and calling for him to apologize for his “racist and xenophobic attack” on Harris. The statement also reminded the public that Harris is a proud Black woman who has dedicated her life to public service and fighting for marginalized communities.
Trump’s comments also sparked outrage and condemnation from other political figures and organizations. Democratic Presidential nominee Joe Biden, who selected Harris as his running mate last week, tweeted that Trump’s remarks were “not only wrong, they’re offensive.” He also called on Trump to “grow up” and “do your job.”
The Republican National Committee, on the other hand, attempted to defend Trump’s comments by stating that he was simply “raising questions” about Harris’ eligibility. However, this defense falls flat as it ignores the fact that Trump’s claims have been debunked numerous times and are nothing more than baseless attacks.
What is most concerning about Trump’s remarks is the fact that they are not isolated incidents. Throughout his presidency, Trump has consistently made racist and divisive comments, targeting marginalized communities and individuals. This behavior is not befitting of a leader and only serves to further divide our country.
It is also worth noting that Trump’s comments came just days after he referred to the coronavirus as the “China virus” during a press conference. This type of language only fuels xenophobia and discrimination towards Asian Americans, who have already faced an increase in hate crimes since the start of the pandemic.
As we approach the upcoming election, it is crucial that we hold our leaders accountable for their words and actions. We cannot allow divisive and false rhetoric to continue to divide our country. It is time for our leaders to come together and focus on the issues that truly matter, rather than engaging in baseless attacks and distractions.
Kamala Harris is a highly qualified and accomplished individual who has dedicated her life to serving the American people. As the first Black and Asian American woman to be selected as a Vice Presidential candidate, she has broken barriers and inspired countless individuals. Her race and ethnicity should not be used as a means to discredit her, but rather celebrated and embraced.
In conclusion, Donald Trump’s false and inflammatory comments about Kamala Harris’ race during the National Association of Black Journalists event in Chicago were unacceptable and should be condemned. It is time for our leaders to put aside their personal agendas and focus on bringing our country together. Let us use this moment to stand in solidarity with Kamala Harris and all marginalized communities, and work towards a more inclusive and united future.