On ABC’s “This Week,” host Martha Raddatz interviewed swing-state voter Melody Davy about her thoughts on Vice President Kamala Harris and the recent shift of black voters toward the Republican party. Despite being a former Democrat, Davy revealed she is now leaning towards voting for former President Donald Trump and questioned Harris’ racial identity.
When Raddatz pressed Davy on why she is considering voting for Trump, Davy cited Harris’ words and actions that align with Trump’s, such as promising no taxes on tips. Davy also accused Harris of being caught up in lies, specifically regarding her heritage.
As Raddatz questioned what lies Davy believes Harris has told, Davy stated, “I think lying about her heritage was one of them.” She went on to claim, “I believe she’s just Indian. I don’t think she’s black.”
Raddatz then pushed back, stating that Harris has always identified as black and noting that she is also half Indian. But Davy stood her ground, saying, “Well I think that’s something we can definitely agree to disagree on.”
This is not the first time Trump has questioned Harris’ racial identity. Last week, he criticized her lack of “imagination” after she promoted not taxing tips, a campaign promise he had already made in June. And during an interview at the National Association of Black Journalists in July, Trump stated that he only recently became aware of Harris’ black heritage because she had emphasized her Indian background throughout her career.
In response to Trump’s comments, Davy’s doubts about Harris’ race may stem from her own change in perception of the vice presidential candidate. Like many Democrats, she may have believed Harris was solely Indian until she began heavily promoting her black heritage during her vice presidential campaign.
But whether or not Harris has always identified as black, there is no denying her mixed racial heritage. And while some may question her sincerity or accuse her of lying, it is important to recognize that Harris is a person of color and the first Black and Indian American woman nominated for vice president by a major political party.
Furthermore, it is concerning that Davy and other Trump supporters are using Harris’ words and actions, such as promises to not tax tips, as evidence that she is “caught up in lies.” This not only disregards Harris’ actual policy stances, but also undermines her credibility and contributions as a lawmaker.
While Davy and others may agree to disagree on Harris’ racial identity, it is important to recognize and respect her as a person of color and a historic figure in American politics. And as voters, it is important to base our decisions on policy and character rather than race or perceived lies.