Vice President Kamala Harris responded to a comment made by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders about humility and family life during an interview with WIRED.
The Washington Examiner reported that Harris addressed Sanders' implication that she lacks humility due to not having children. The exchange occurred after Huckabee Sanders made her comments while supporting Donald Trump at an event in Flint, Michigan.
Harris took the opportunity to reaffirm her family ties, underscoring her role as a stepmother to two children and highlighting her personal experiences growing up in a divorced family.
Harris married Doug Emhoff in 2014, and through their marriage, she became the stepmother to his two children, Cole and Ella. Emhoff, who was previously married to Kerstin Mackin until their divorce in 2009, introduced Harris to his children after their relationship became serious.
Harris spoke with affection about her stepchildren, emphasizing the importance of building a lasting relationship with them.
During the interview, Harris shared how her own experience as the child of divorced parents shaped her approach to her stepchildren. She expressed her pride and love for Cole and Ella, explaining that they became her "cherished children" as her relationship with Emhoff deepened.
Harris reflected on her parents' divorce, which occurred when she was just seven years old. She mentioned how it helped her relate to her stepchildren and emphasized her commitment to being a supportive figure in their lives. She also noted that she took her time before meeting Emhoff’s children to ensure the relationship was solid.
"I love those kids to pieces. They are my children. And I’m very proud of them," Harris said, speaking warmly about her bond with Cole and Ella.
The exchange with Sanders stemmed from comments made by the Arkansas governor earlier in the week. During an event with Trump, Sanders had implied that Harris lacked humility because she did not have children. Sanders contrasted her own experiences as a mother to Harris's, suggesting that raising children teaches humility—a quality she felt Harris lacked after four years in office.
“Unfortunately, Kamala Harris doesn’t have anything keeping her humble,” Sanders said. “You would think after four years of straight failure, she would know a little humility. Unfortunately, she doesn’t.”
Harris's response to these comments came across as both personal and firm. By reiterating her role as a stepmother, she sought to push back against the notion that her family life was any less valid or meaningful.
In addition to addressing family-related questions, Harris also took the opportunity to discuss her stance on gun ownership and safety. She reiterated her support for gun safety measures while defending Second Amendment rights.
Harris advocated for policies such as universal background checks, a ban on assault weapons, and red flag laws, which aim to prevent dangerous individuals from accessing firearms. She stressed that reasonable gun safety laws could coexist with the right to bear arms, which remains a sensitive topic in American politics.
"We will not take anybody’s guns away," Harris assured, adding that there was a need for laws that ensure public safety while respecting constitutional rights.
Throughout the interview, Harris also touched on lighter topics, including a common Google search about her laughter. Known for her distinctive laugh, Harris explained that she views laughter as an essential part of life.
“I love to laugh. It’s really important to be able to laugh at yourself, laugh with folks," Harris said, adding that humor helps balance the more serious moments in life. She emphasized that while some situations demand serious thought, she believes everyone should have time for laughter.
Harris's appearance in the WIRED interview was part of her broader effort to connect with the public as she faces ongoing criticism about her media engagement. Some critics have noted that Harris has leaned heavily on interviews with social media influencers and local outlets, while engaging less frequently with national media.
Her campaign strategy seems designed to address these critiques, with Harris participating in more accessible formats like the "autocomplete interview" where she answered common Google search questions about herself.
