A deep dive into the relationship between Vice President Kamala Harris and her pastor, Amos Brown, reveals a history of support for a controversial figure and inflammatory rhetoric. Brown's close ties to former President Obama's pastor, Jeremiah Wright, may present a potential liability for Harris's campaign.
Vice President Kamala Harris's pastor and longtime mentor, Amos Brown, has a history of defending controversial figures and making inflammatory statements. A review of past sermons and public statements by Brown reveals a pattern of support for former President Obama's controversial pastor, Jeremiah Wright, and a willingness to blame America for its troubles.
Brown, the senior pastor of San Francisco's Third Baptist Church, reportedly attended graduate ministry school with Wright and has a close friendship with him. In 2008, during the height of the Wright controversy, Brown defended Wright's sermons as being taken out of context and characterized Wright's preaching style as "not fiery, just passionate."
Kamala Harris's Mentor: A Past Mired in Controversy
Brown's support of Wright extended beyond public statements. In 2009, months after Obama's inauguration, Wright was invited to speak at Brown's church as part of a celebration of the church's 33rd anniversary under Brown's leadership. Wright's visit was part of a pattern of close ties between the two pastors. Wright reportedly visited Brown's church at least twice more, in 2010 and 2012.
Brown's own rhetoric has also been controversial. In the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Brown sparked his own controversy by blaming America for the attacks during a memorial service. He said, "The American chickens are coming home to roost."
Kamala Harris's Mentor: A Past Mired in Controversy
Harris has repeatedly praised Brown, calling him a "voice of leadership" and a source of inspiration. She has given him multiple shoutouts during speeches as vice president, thanking him for his support and guidance. However, Brown's past controversies may become a liability for Harris, especially if she decides to run for president in 2024.
Some critics have already raised concerns about Harris's association with Brown. They argue that Brown's history of defending Wright and his own controversial statements could damage Harris's credibility and appeal to moderate voters.
Kamala Harris's Mentor: A Past Mired in Controversy
The Harris campaign has not yet commented on Brown's past controversies. However, Harris has previously defended Brown, saying that he has always been a positive influence in her life. She has also said that she does not agree with everything that Brown has said or done but that she respects him as a pastor and a friend.
It remains to be seen whether Brown's past controversies will impact Harris's political future. However, the close relationship between the two raises questions about Harris's own judgment and the potential risks of aligning herself with such a controversial figure.
Kamala Harris's Mentor: A Past Mired in Controversy
* Brown's defense of Wright may be seen as an attempt to shield Obama from criticism, as Wright was a close friend and spiritual advisor to the former president.
* Harris's repeated praise of Brown despite his controversial past may suggest that she is either unaware of or willing to overlook these issues.
* The potential liability of Brown's past controversies for Harris's candidacy will depend on the extent to which voters are aware of and concerned about these issues.
