During a podcast appearance Wednesday, White House press secretary Jen Psaki attributed some of the criticism Vice President Kamala Harris has received to racism and sexism.
"I do think that it has been easier and harsher from some in the right wing who have gone after her because she is the first woman, the first woman of color. I’m not suggesting anyone will acknowledge that publicly," Psaki told Politico's “Women Rule” podcast Wednesday.
“I mean, so many firsts, right? It’s a lot to have on your shoulders,” Psaki said of Harris being not just the first female vice president but also the first female vice president of color. “She is somebody who, at a much higher level than the rest of us, but who wants to be seen as the talented, experienced, you know, expert, substantive policy person, partner to the President, that she is. But I do think there have been some attacks that are beyond because of her identity.”
Psaki’s comments come in the wake of a story published by CNN that alleged the White House had criticized Harris’s office for “entrenched dysfunction and lack of focus,” and they echo those of former congressional nominee Pam Keith.
“The reason Kamala Harris is being attacked is because she is a Black woman in high office… and many many people who would swear they aren’t racist or sexist, can only cope with and accept Black women, if they are in subordinate roles,” Keith said.
Psaki has also defended Harris on Twitter since the publication of the CNN article.
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