Equating 'DEI Hire' with Racial Slur: Florida Rep. Maxwell Frost Blasts GOP Attacks on Kamala Harris

Florida Democratic Rep. Maxwell Frost has vehemently condemned the use of the term "DEI hire" to describe Vice President Kamala Harris, likening it to a racial slur. Frost's comments come in response to Republican Reps. Tim Burchett and Marjorie Taylor Greene's claims that Harris was chosen as Biden's running mate solely due to her race and gender.

Florida Democratic Rep. Maxwell Frost has ignited a firestorm of controversy by equating the use of the term "DEI hire" to describe Vice President Kamala Harris with a racial slur. Frost's comments have drawn widespread attention, as the debate over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives intensifies in the political arena.

During an interview with CNN, Frost asserted that labeling Harris a "DEI hire" is a "right-wing campaign that's going to be racist [and] misogynist" against the vice president. He emphasized that Harris's qualifications, including her experience at the state and federal levels, far surpass those of her detractors.

Equating 'DEI Hire' with Racial Slur: Florida Rep. Maxwell Frost Blasts GOP Attacks on Kamala Harris

Equating 'DEI Hire' with Racial Slur: Florida Rep. Maxwell Frost Blasts GOP Attacks on Kamala Harris

Frost dismissed "DEI" references as "racist dog whistles," stating that they should be viewed as equivalent to the "N word." He argued that Harris's selection as vice president was not based on her race or gender but rather on her merits.

Frost's comments come on the heels of Tennessee Republican Rep. Tim Burchett's assertion that Harris is a "DEI hire" and a reflection of the Biden administration's supposed focus on diversity over qualifications. Burchett's remarks were echoed by Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who claimed that Harris was chosen as Biden's running mate solely for her race and skin color.

Equating 'DEI Hire' with Racial Slur: Florida Rep. Maxwell Frost Blasts GOP Attacks on Kamala Harris

Equating 'DEI Hire' with Racial Slur: Florida Rep. Maxwell Frost Blasts GOP Attacks on Kamala Harris

While some Republican officials have embraced the "DEI hire" rhetoric, others have advocated for a different approach in criticizing Harris. They believe that focusing on her lackluster performance in the 2020 Democratic primary campaign and her criminal justice record in California would be more effective.

Less than 36 hours after President Biden endorsed Harris as his successor, she announced that she had secured the Democratic presidential nomination. Harris expressed pride in achieving the support of a majority of the delegates who will gather for the Democratic National Convention in Chicago later this month.

Equating 'DEI Hire' with Racial Slur: Florida Rep. Maxwell Frost Blasts GOP Attacks on Kamala Harris

Equating 'DEI Hire' with Racial Slur: Florida Rep. Maxwell Frost Blasts GOP Attacks on Kamala Harris

Despite the Republican attacks, Harris's nomination appears to have sparked enthusiasm among Democratic voters. A recent poll suggests that a majority of Democrats believe that Harris would make a good president.

Rep. Frost's office did not respond immediately to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.

Equating 'DEI Hire' with Racial Slur: Florida Rep. Maxwell Frost Blasts GOP Attacks on Kamala Harris

Equating 'DEI Hire' with Racial Slur: Florida Rep. Maxwell Frost Blasts GOP Attacks on Kamala Harris

The use of the term "DEI hire" to describe Harris has become a lightning rod for controversy, pitting Democrats against Republicans in a heated debate over the role of diversity and inclusion in the political process. As the election season heats up, it remains to be seen whether this issue will continue to divide the two parties and shape the political landscape.