In a display of audacious obliviousness, Bruce Fischer, spouse to US Senator Deb Fischer, R-Neb, committed an act that raised eyebrows, when he refused to engage in a simple, customary handshake with then VP Kamala Harris. This refusal spoke volumes about the inherent political discord that seemed to transcend the boundaries of personal decorum. A noteworthy incident happened when Fischer extended his cold dismissal to Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff too, at a White House ceremonial tea reception held on January 20, prior to President Donald Trump’s inauguration.
As per a CNN report, Emhoff did not take this lightly and viewed Fischer’s behavior as an affront to his spouse. Apparently, upon Harris’ inauguration and subsequent congratulatory gesture, Fischer disengaged entirely, shirking any eye contact. He responded with a cursory nod and mumbled ‘thank you’ instead of engaging in the professional courtesy of a handshake.
The snubbing of the first female vice president, who also happens to represent the black and South Asian communities, caused considerable outrage with allegations of sexism and bigotry being hurled Bruce Fischer’s way. It is worth mentioning that Harris seemed taken aback by Fischer’s blatant disregard but maintained her composure during the awkward interaction. Harris’ lack of acknowledgment of Bruce’s apparent insolence, however, can arguably be seen as a weak response.
Emhoff, having witnessed Fischer’s actions, confronted him regarding his disrespect on January 20. He was utterly flummoxed as to why Fischer would extend a hand to him while consciously denying the same courtesy to his spouse earlier. Such a discrepancy in his conduct was enough for Emhoff to label the act as an insult his wife had endured.
CNN reported on the following altercation between Emhoff and Fischer, with Fischer returning to apologize to Emhoff. The news outlet made a point to highlight the change in temperament post the confrontation, when cordial conversations made a comeback between the two men. It is worth noting the apparent selectiveness with regards to the issues at hand, revealing an attitude that might hint at a level of double standard and hypocrisy.
Interestingly, Harris and Fischer were not present when Bruce and Emhoff engaged in their little banter, suggesting that the confrontation was perhaps not crucial to their political discourse. Following the inauguration, Harris and Emhoff bid their White House duties goodbye, returning to their home in California to embrace a standard civilian life.
The Harris-Emhoff duo’s first stop in California was Altadena where they volunteered to distribute food to wildfire victims within Los Angeles. They saw this as a perfect opportunity to speak with volunteers first-hand. Their peculiar choice raises eyebrows, possibly an attempt to earn public sympathy or appeal to the masses by demonstrating empathy in the face of disaster.
The virtue signaling continued when they visited a fire station within Los Angeles County, where Harris expressed her gratitude to the firefighters. It’s interesting to render thanks to professionals who are simply doing their jobs, bound by duty. However, the wording of her statement that their home was still standing while others weren’t smacked of insensitivity.
In her remarks to the community during this disaster relief event, Harris stressed on the visibility and acknowledgment of the affected community. While the statement was sugar-coated with care and empathy, it seemed devoid of any substantial policy promise or actionable relief strategies that could provide actual support.
Harris went on to laud the local firefighters and volunteers, calling them ‘heroes’. The choice of term not only played on emotional sentiments but was also an attempt to overshadow their professional duty and commitment towards mitigating disasters like the wildfire.
Indeed, the former vice president made the bold statement that California firefighters excel in handling unprecedented crises, displaying extraordinary courage and self-sacrifice. Statements like these can often overshadow the bigger issues at stake, such as the environmental policies, or rather their failings, that continue to allow such disastrous wildfires to occur.
The Harris-Emhoff duo’s public display of solidarity with the brave firefighters of California might come across as commendable to the surface observer. However, a discerning eye would notice the obfuscation of the fact that these valiant firefighters were dealing with disaster aftereffects that were direct results of failed environmental policies.