A 2017 clip of Vice President Kamala Harris urging people to "stay woke" has resurfaced, inciting criticism from conservatives calling her too radical for the presidency according to Fox News.
The video, taken from Recode's annual Code Conference in 2017 where Harris spoke alongside Laurene Powell Jobs, shows Harris advocating for awareness and activism.
The conference, which focused on topics such as immigration and environmental issues, included Harris's critiques of Trump administration policies on these matters.
Harris's comments implored people to "stay woke" and remain vigilant and active against injustice. In her address, she expressed frustration with policies she felt were detrimental, stating, "I get upset when we say we're going to shut our door to refugees who are fleeing such atrocities... Yes, I'm gonna get mad about that."
The resurfaced clip has led to a wave of criticism on social media from conservative circles. Figures such as James Lindsay labeled Harris as a "Communist functionary," arguing that her views were too extreme for a presidential role.
Critics also highlighted past controversial statements made by Harris. These include her support for the "defund the police" movement in 2020 and her praise for a pastor who attributed blame to the U.S. for the 9/11 attacks. Such resurfaced comments are being used by detractors to paint a picture of Harris as a radical candidate.
The 2017 clip not only trended on social media but also led Harris to reiterate her stance in a message posted on X the day after the conference.
She emphasized the importance of staying "woke" in the face of social and political challenges, aligning with the contemporary usage of the term that gained popularity that year and was recognized by dictionaries like Oxford and Merriam-Webster.
Despite the backlash, Harris secured the Democratic Party’s 2024 presidential nomination last week after garnering a majority of votes from convention delegates. This nomination comes just after President Biden’s endorsement following his decision to exit the race.
Harris now has less than 100 days to campaign before facing former President Donald Trump in the upcoming November 5 election.
An announcement regarding her running mate is anticipated this week, and Harris will attend the Democratic National Convention in Chicago later this month to solidify her campaign efforts.
Amidst this heated political landscape, both supporters and critics of Harris continue to dissect her past statements and public appearances. The debate over her qualifications and ideology is likely to intensify as the election date approaches.
Social media remains divided over Harris’s 2017 remarks. Supporters argue that her call to action is a necessary response to social injustices, while detractors view it as evidence of her radical political stance.
The term "woke," initially used to signify awareness and activism, has evolved into a politically charged phrase that elicits strong reactions from both sides of the political spectrum.
In conclusion, the resurfaced clip of Vice President Kamala Harris urging people to "stay woke" has reignited discussions about her suitability for the presidency.
As her campaign progresses, she faces the dual challenge of rallying support while addressing the criticisms rooted in her past statements. This election cycle promises to be a focal point for debates on social and political ideologies as Harris prepares to challenge Donald Trump in November.
