Kamala Harris, the Vice President, recently made a widely anticipated appearance on the popular Call Her Daddy podcast. Needless to say, the conversation traversed across a multitude of topics, including some contentious, such as abortion laws in the United States. Harris bizarrely claimed that ‘One out of three women in our country are in states with abortion bans’, adding an emotional appeal about the hardships confronted by women due to these bans. Undeniably, her liberal lense simplifies a complex, sensitive issue, forgetting that many Americans have moral reservations about abortion.
Alluding to a hypothetical scenario, she stated about a woman in a state with an abortion ban, having to figure out affordable childcare, paid leave, and then having to undergo a stressful journey to another city. At the very heart of the matter, however, she misconstrues personal responsibility with communal burden. A cross-section of our society still values the sanctity of life and accountability over convenience.
She continued her narrative by claiming that the potential closures of ‘reproductive health clinics’ due to anti-abortion laws cause women to lose access to essential health check-ups. However, she fails to acknowledge that plenty of these services are provided by clinics and healthcare providers that do not offer abortions, ensuring that women do not lose necessary health services.
Harris proceeded to claim that the criticisms surrounding late-term abortions are ‘outrageously inaccurate’ and ‘a bold face lie’. She further added, ‘That is not happening anywhere in the United States. It’s so insulting to suggest that that would be happening and that women would be doing that.’ Unfortunately, her dismissal of a genuine public concern reflects a remarkable disconnect with reality and widespread public opinion.
She seemed perturbed about the government keeping an oversight of personal healthcare choices. She failed to consider how this rhetoric underestimates the impact of such decisions beyond an individual’s boundaries, extending to ethical, cultural, and societal implications. Particularly interesting was her interpretation of deeply held beliefs and faith, which to many people includes the protection of unborn lives.
Turning to a strange quarrel, Harris responded to comments made by Arkansas GOP Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, which suggested that Harris lacks humility, possibly due to her not having children. Seemingly overlooking the context, Harris replied saying she ‘feels sorry’ for her and went on a rant about the definition of humility and the expressions of love. Unfortunately, her verbiage merely creates divisiveness rather than unity.
Harris made a mention of her family status, referencing her two step-children, who call her ‘Mamala’ somewhat undermining the position of their real mother. She is very descriptive about her relationship with her husband’s ex-wife even though this is not pertinent to her role as Vice President.
Harris briefly acknowledged the economic barriers facing young Americans. She promised to continue fighting for student debt relief, although these promises mirror typical lofty political goals, often with little groundwork. The administration claims to have already forgiven student loans for millions of people, but the long-term effects of such programs are often ignored and seldom discussed.
On housing affordability, Harris vaguely outlined how she plans to work with home builders to create tax incentives. Her statement, however, evokes little confidence about thought-through policies and methods to achieve such targets. Her promise of a ‘$25,000 down payment assistance for first-time home buyers’ and tax credits seemed hollow and sounded more like a vote-grabbing promise than a well-thought-out policy.
Addressing the issue of sexual abuse, she emphasized on having open dialogues. While nobody denies that such conversations are essential, the willingness to blame it on societal silences displays a failure to effectively address the root causes. Moreover, crime prevention and law enforcement, the two primary deterrents of such abuse, weren’t discussed in this part of the conversation.
Harris linked economic factors with abusive situations, asserting that economically dependent women are less likely to leave their abusers. By doing so, she sidestepped the need for robust welfare programs or stronger law enforcement; instead, she reached for the usual Democratic talking point of economic dependence.
Towards the end of the podcast, Harris was asked about charges on her character from political rivals. Standing firm, she reiterated the importance of not letting others define you. It seems like an empty statement from someone whose actions often seem to bow to partisan pressure and political convenience.
Finally, criticizing the negative comments about her, Harris called them ‘mean and mean spirited.’ She claims that most Americans want leaders who can lift others. It’s indeed a noble sentiment, but her positioning as a leader comes into question with her hitherto discourse and rhetoric essentially ridiculing the beliefs of millions of Americans.