Introduction
Vice President Kamala Harris has been the target of various criticisms, some of which are rooted in sexism. One such criticism is her lack of biological children. In a powerful response, Kerstin Emhoff, the ex-wife of second gentleman Doug Emhoff, has come forward to defend Harris. This article delves into the details of this defense, the context behind the criticisms, and the broader implications of such sexist attacks.
Kerstin Emhoff’s Statement
A Strong Defense
Kerstin Emhoff, a film producer and the mother of Doug Emhoff’s two children, has defended Kamala Harris against sexist criticisms. In a statement provided to CNN, she described the attacks on Harris as “baseless” and highlighted Harris’s role as a loving and nurturing co-parent.
- Quote from Kerstin Emhoff: “These are baseless attacks. For more than 10 years, since Cole and Ella were teens, Kamala has been a co-parent with Doug and I. She is cherishing, sustaining, savagely defensive, and consistently present. I love our mixed family and am thankful to have her in it.”
Context of the Criticisms
The criticisms resurfaced after a video of Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance from a July 2021 interview with Tucker Carlson. In the interview, Vance criticized several public figures, including Harris, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, labeling them as “childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives.”
- Quote from JD Vance: “It’s just a basic fact — you look at Kamala Harris, Pete Buttigieg, AOC — the entire future of the Democrats is controlled by people without children.”
Kamala Harris and Her Blended Family
Harris’s Relationship with Her Stepchildren
Kamala Harris married Doug Emhoff in 2014, becoming a stepmother to his two children, Cole and Ella. Harris has embraced her role as a stepmother, and her stepchildren affectionately refer to her as “Momala.”
- Harris on blended families: “The thing about blended families, if everyone approaches it in the way that there’s plenty of love to share, then it works.”
Close Friendship with Kerstin Emhoff
In a 2019 essay in Elle, Harris discussed her close friendship with Kerstin Emhoff and their successful blended family dynamic. Harris emphasized that she and Kerstin hit it off and became dear friends, contributing to the functionality of their modern family.
- Harris on her friendship with Kerstin Emhoff: “Kerstin and I hit it off ourselves and are dear friends. … We sometimes joke that our modern family is almost a little too functional.”
Broader Implications of Sexist Criticisms
Attacks on Harris’s Race and Gender
Harris has faced numerous attacks based on her race and gender. Right-wing media outlets have increased their criticism of Harris since President Joe Biden announced he was dropping out of the presidential race and endorsed her. These attacks range from questioning her qualifications to scrutinizing her personal life and mannerisms.
Responses from Other Public Figures
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who was also criticized by JD Vance in the 2021 interview, responded to the remarks by highlighting the insensitivity of such comments. Buttigieg and his husband, Chasten, had experienced a heartbreaking setback in their adoption journey at the time of Vance’s comments.
- Buttigieg on Vance’s remarks: “He couldn’t have known that, but maybe that’s why you shouldn’t be talking about other people’s children.”
The Importance of Challenging Sexist Narratives
The defense of Kamala Harris by Kerstin Emhoff underscores the importance of challenging sexist narratives and supporting women in positions of power. It also highlights the significance of blended families and the various forms that love and family can take.
Conclusion
Kerstin Emhoff’s defense of Kamala Harris against sexist criticisms serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up against baseless attacks. Harris’s role as a loving and nurturing stepmother, her successful blended family, and the support from those close to her, all contribute to her strength as a leader. It is essential to challenge and dismantle sexist narratives to create a more inclusive and equitable society.
References
- CNN: Original source of Kerstin Emhoff’s statement and background information on the criticisms against Kamala Harris.
- Elle: Kamala Harris’s 2019 essay discussing her blended family and friendship with Kerstin Emhoff.
- Tucker Carlson Interview: JD Vance’s 2021 interview criticizhttps://newscity.org/meghan-markle-and-prince-harrys-candid-interview/ing Kamala Harris and other public figures.
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