In a recent closed-door meeting, House Republican leaders advised lawmakers to focus their critiques on Vice President Kamala Harris’ record rather than her race and gender. This guidance comes after some GOP members made comments targeting her identity, which has shifted attention back onto Republicans instead of the policies and actions of the Democratic Party.
GOP Campaign Strategy
During the meeting, Richard Hudson (R-N.C.), chair of the House GOP campaign arm, and other leaders emphasized the importance of criticizing Harris based on her performance and policies. This follows remarks by Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) and Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Wis.) that focused on Harris’s race, labeling her as a “DEI vice president.”
Policy Over Personality
Speaker Mike Johnson reiterated the focus on policy over personality. “This should not be about personalities. It should be about policy,” he said. Johnson stressed that the GOP’s approach should highlight Harris’s handling of the border and her decision to skip Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech before Congress.
Republican Response to Harris Criticisms
Some Republicans have privately expressed frustration over the identity-focused comments, believing they detract from valid policy criticisms. One anonymous House Republican criticized those making identity-based remarks, emphasizing the need to focus on Harris’s record.
Additional Republican Efforts
Beyond these criticisms, some Republicans are pushing for more drastic measures. Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) introduced a second impeachment resolution against Harris, though his first attempt stalled in committee. Meanwhile, conservatives have suggested investigating Harris or pressuring Cabinet officials to invoke the 25th Amendment against President Biden, though most Republicans do not support these efforts.
Focus on Policy Failures
House GOP leaders plan to concentrate on Harris’s perceived policy failures, particularly concerning the border and the Israel-Hamas conflict. Majority Leader Steve Scalise pointed out Harris’s role in what he describes as President Biden’s “worst failures.”
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