Vice President Kamala Harris has recently responded emphatically to Arkansas GOP Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders' remarks questioning her humility due to her lack of biological children. During her appearance on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast, Harris made it clear she disagrees with Sanders’ assertion, stating, "I don't think she understands there are a whole lot of women out here who, one, are not aspiring to be humble." This podcast episode aired on Sunday and has drawn significant attention.
Sanders sparked the backlash during a recent town hall meeting when she claimed, "My kids keep me humble. Unfortunately, Kamala Harris doesn’t have anything keeping her humble." This statement drew criticism not just from Harris but also from her husband, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, who defended her during a separate campaign event, saying, "Somehow because Cole and Ella [Emhoff] aren’t Kamala’s quote-unquote biological children, she doesn’t have anything to keep her humble. It is not." Emhoff emphasized the importance of recognizing various family structures, noting the flawed nature of Sanders' comments.
Harris, echoing her husband’s thoughts, elaborated on the nature of family, stating, "Family come in many forms, and I think we increasingly understand, this is not the 1950s anymore." She highlighted the importance of supporting and uplifting women, saying, "And I have both [blood and love family], and I think it’s really important for women to lift each other up." This sentiment underlines Harris's broader message about community and familial love beyond traditional definitions.
The Vice President also addressed previous comments made by Ohio Senator JD Vance, who derided childless women during the 2021 campaign. He had crudely claimed Democrats were "a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives." Responding to what she called Vance's mean-spirited remarks, Harris said, "I just think it’s mean and mean-spirited. And I think most Americans want leaders who understand the measure of their strength isn’t who you beat down. The real measure of the strength of a leader is based on who you lift up." Harris's remarks resonate with many women who feel marginalized by traditional narratives surrounding motherhood and leadership.
The former President Donald Trump also came under fire during Harris's podcast interview as she reflected on his recent statements aimed at women. Trump claimed at a rally, "Women will be happy, healthy, confident and free" under his administration. To this, Harris countered, "This is the same guy who uses the same kind of language to describe women?" She criticized his policy record, noting, "They [Supreme Court justices he appointed] did just as he intended," which included states enacting severe abortion restrictions. Harris emphasized the ramifications of these policies, stating, "You’re telling a survivor of a crime with a violation of their body they don’t have the right to make decisions about what happens to their body next."
Harris's responses highlight the difficulties women leaders face and the need for solidarity among women. The exchange with Sanders and Vance reflects broader societal discussions around family, ambition, and the structures supporting women politically and socially. Harris's remarks aim not only to defend her character but also to advocate for inclusivity and respect across varied forms of family life.
Through this dialogue, Harris elevates the conversation about what constitutes strength among women, making it clear she believes true leadership involves lifting others rather than diminishing them. The Vice President’s messages resonate with many as she champions the idea of diverse families, providing validation to those who feel judged for their choices. Her defense against Sanders and Vance showcases her unwavering commitment to advocate for women and families from all backgrounds.