George Stephanopoulos pressed Byron Donalds on Vice President Kamala Harris' racial identity, prompting the congressman to accuse the host of perpetuating a "slur."
ABC News host George Stephanopoulos engaged in a heated exchange with Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) on Sunday, grilling him on Vice President Kamala Harris' racial identity. The debate arose following former President Donald Trump's comments questioning Harris' racial identity during a panel at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ).
Harris was born in 1964 to a Jamaican father and an Indian mother. She spent much of her formative years in Berkeley, California. Trump had suggested that Harris may not be eligible to serve as vice president because she is not a "natural-born citizen," a claim widely disputed by legal experts.
ABC Host Grills Rep. Donalds on VP Harris' Racial Identity in Heated Exchange
Stephanopoulos repeatedly pressed Donalds on Trump's allegations, prompting him to dismiss them as a "phony controversy." However, Stephanopoulos challenged Donalds' characterization, noting that Trump had specifically mentioned Harris' racial identity during his speech.
Donalds argued that AP News had initially reported Harris as being Indian when she became a senator, prompting Stephanopoulos to clarify that AP had simply recognized her multiracial heritage.
ABC Host Grills Rep. Donalds on VP Harris' Racial Identity in Heated Exchange
"AP did not say that Kamala Harris is not Black. She is biracial. She is Indian. She is Black. You continue to repeat the slur. I don't understand why you and the president do it but it's clear that you're not going to say that it's wrong and we've now established that for our audience," Stephanopoulos said.
Donalds emphasized that while Trump had briefly mentioned Harris' racial identity, he had focused primarily on her record as a senator. However, Stephanopoulos pointed out that Donalds himself had repeatedly questioned Harris' identity, even though she had consistently identified as a Black woman.
ABC Host Grills Rep. Donalds on VP Harris' Racial Identity in Heated Exchange
The exchange highlighted the deep political divide over Harris' racial identity. While some have questioned her authenticity as a Black woman, others have condemned such claims as racist and divisive.
Harris' background is a testament to the evolving nature of racial identity in the United States. As the country becomes increasingly diverse, individuals of mixed heritage are challenging traditional notions of race and belonging.
In the wake of Trump's comments, Harris has defended her racial identity, emphasizing her experiences as a Black woman in America. She has also rejected claims that she is not a natural-born citizen, citing her birth certificate as evidence.
The debate over Harris' racial identity is likely to continue, reflecting the broader societal struggles surrounding race and identity in the United States.
