Republicans are slamming Vice President Kamala Harris for admitting she was "the last person in the room" when President Biden made the decision to evacuate all U.S. troops from Afghanistan, a move that led to the deaths of 13 American soldiers.
Vice President Kamala Harris is facing harsh criticism from Republicans for her comments about her involvement in President Biden's decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan, a move that ultimately led to the deaths of 13 American soldiers.
In an April 2021 interview with CNN, Harris said she was "comfortable" with Biden's decision to evacuate Afghanistan and that she was "the last person in the room" when he made the call.
Vice President Harris Faces Backlash over Afghanistan Remarks
Her remarks have drawn fire from Republicans, who argue that they show Harris was involved in the disastrous decision.
"This is morally abhorrent," said Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel. "Kamala Harris knew about the risks of withdrawing from Afghanistan and she did nothing to stop it."
Vice President Harris Faces Backlash over Afghanistan Remarks
"Harris' comments are a clear indication that she was involved in the decision to withdraw from Afghanistan, a decision that led to the deaths of 13 American soldiers," said House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.). "She must be held accountable for her role in this tragedy."
The criticism comes as Harris is considered a potential Democratic presidential candidate in 2024.
Harris has defended her remarks, saying that she was simply "stating a fact" about her role in the decision-making process.
"I was the last person in the room when the president made the decision to withdraw from Afghanistan," Harris said in a statement. "I am comfortable with the decision that he made, and I am confident that he made it in the best interests of the country."
However, Republicans are not convinced, and they are likely to continue to criticize Harris' remarks as she prepares for a potential presidential run.
The anniversary of the Afghanistan withdrawal is a sensitive time for the Biden administration, and Harris' comments have only served to reignite criticism of the president's handling of the situation.
Harris' remarks have also raised questions about her own judgment and leadership abilities. If she is to be considered a serious contender for the presidency, she will need to answer for her role in the Afghanistan withdrawal and convince voters that she is capable of making tough decisions in the face of adversity.
The 2024 presidential election is still two years away, but Harris' comments about Afghanistan have already put her on the defensive. She will need to find a way to address the criticism and convince voters that she is the right person to lead the country.
