In recent years, Kamala Harris has become a highly polarizing figure in Americanpolitics. As Vice President, she has faced both admiration and criticism fromvarious quarters. While President Joe Biden has publicly supported her, somehigh-profile figures, including actor Denzel Washington, have remained notablysilent on endorsing her, sparking curiosity and debate about her public perception
One of the key issues surrounding Kamala Harris is the narrative of how sheascended to power. Critics have pointed out that her rise in politics was facilitatedby her relationship with Willie Brown, a prominent California politician. Brown, whowas then Speaker of the California Assembly, played a significant role in helpingHarris secure influential positions early in her career. This aspect of her past hasbeen a focal point for those who argue that her success was not solely based onmerit.
Furthermore, Harris’s political career has been marred by controversies,particularly during her tenure as District Attorney of San Francisco and later asAttorney General of California. Her tough-on crime policies, including her supportfor California’s “three strikes” law and her aggressive stance on truancy, havedrawn criticism for disproportionately affecting Black and marginalizedcommunities. These policies have led to a significant trust deficit between Harrisand many within the Black community, who view her actions as contributing to themass incarceration crisis rather than addressing its root causes.
Denzel Washington’s silence on Kamala Harris is particularly intriguing given hispast support for Barack Obama. Washington, a respected figure in Hollywood andbeyond, has been vocal about the dangers of misinformation in the media. Hisfamous quote, “If you don’t read the newspaper, you’re uninformed. If you do readit, you’re misinformed,” reflects his skepticism about the media’s role in shapingpublic opinion. This sentiment has led some to speculate that Washington’sreluctance to endorse Harris may stem from his concerns about how her image hasbeen shaped by the media and the realities of her political record.
In addition to the controversies surrounding her career, Harris’s public persona hasalso been a subject of debate. She has often been criticized for makinginappropriate jokes and comments, which some believe undermine her credibilityas a leader. For instance, her quip about being stuck in an elevator with formerPresident Donald Trump, Mike Pence, or Jeff Sessions—where she implied thatonly one person might come out alive—was seen by many as unprofessional and inpoor taste. Such moments have added to the perception that Harris is not always intune with the seriousness of her role.
Moreover, Harris’s handling of significant issues such as immigration has beenanother area of concern. Her dismissive comments about the threat of terrorism atthe U.S. border, despite evidence of increasing encounters with individuals on thefederal government’s list of known or suspected terrorists, have been criticized asundermining national security. Critics argue that Harris’s stance on immigration andborder security reflects a lack of understanding of the complexities involved,further fueling doubts about her ability to effectively address these critical issues.
