"Trump Dismisses Racial Identity of Kamala Harris in Debate, Harris Responds with Critique on Racial Division"
In a recent presidential debate, former President Donald Trump made headlines by stating that he does not care about Vice President Kamala Harris’s racial identity. Harris, who identifies as both Black and Indian American, has been the subject of scrutiny and debate over her racial background, particularly following controversial remarks made by Trump earlier this year.
During the debate, Trump addressed the issue by saying, “I don’t, and I don’t care. I don’t care what she is. I don’t care if you make a big deal out of something. I couldn’t care less. Whatever she wants to be is okay with me.” His comments were a response to earlier statements he made at a black journalists’ conference in July, where he questioned Harris’s racial identity, saying, “I didn’t know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black and now she wants to be known as Black. So, I don’t know, is she Indian or is she Black?”
When pressed by moderators during the debate, Trump’s responses were inconsistent. He stated, “So I don’t know. I don’t know. I mean, all I can say is, I read where she was not Black that she put out, and I’ll say that. And then I read that she was Black, and that’s okay. Either one was okay with me. That’s up to her.”
In contrast, Harris used the opportunity to critique Trump’s approach to racial issues. She responded, “I think it’s a tragedy that we have someone who wants to be President who has consistently, over the course of his career, attempted to use race to divide the American people. You know, I do believe that the vast majority of us know that we have so much more in common than what separates us, and we don’t want this kind of approach that is just constantly trying to divide us, especially by race.”
The exchange highlights ongoing tensions and differing perspectives on race and identity in American politics. Trump’s remarks were seen by many as an attempt to downplay the significance of racial identity, while Harris’s response underscored her belief in unity and shared values over divisive rhetoric.
As the presidential election approaches, these debates and public statements will likely continue to shape the political landscape and voter perceptions of both candidates.