As Biden Picks Harris For VP, Dingell Issues Stark Warning
Yemeni American News
By Brian Stone
DEARBORN, Mich. – As Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden announced today that Sen. Kamala Harris would be his vice presidential running mate, Dearborn Rep. Debbie Dingell issued a stark warning to supporters via email.
“Too many people are at each other’s throats with attacks, bars, [sic] slings, and arrows. We are once again viewing racist and sexist comments that tear us down, don’t build us up, or celebrate each other’s success,” said Dingell.
Dingell decried the politics of personal assassination, where individuals on social media, political commentators or even other politicians attack candidates for public office in ways that are personal, rather than about their policies or actions in public office.
“Over the last few weeks, we have witnessed personal attacks and the discussion and coverage of these women have included sexist tropes, criticisms of candidates’ ambition (why is it never bad for a man to be ambitious?) and questions of electability,” said Dingell. “There hasn’t been nearly enough discussion about their strengths, ability, courage, passion, sensitivity, multitasking, experience, perspectives, and the many other characteristics which make them all strongly qualified for this job.”
Kamala Harris is approaching the job of Vice President with a great deal of experience, both as a Senator from California, as California’s Attorney General and as the Prosecutor for San Francisco. Harris is well-known for taking on issues related to: education; criminal justice reform; lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender (LGBT) civil rights; immigrant rights; and has been in the national spotlight for her pointed questioning during senate hearings, most notably with the controversial appointment of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
Although Harris feuded with Biden during the primary campaign, where she criticized Biden’s past opposition to school busing reforms, the two have since made amends. Harris endorsed him for the Democratic nomination months ago.
Rep. Dingell says that she has a personal connection with Harris and respects her immensely.
“I met through mutual friends and connections at the University of Michigan,” said Dingell. “We bonded when helping some older seniors who had given much-needed help and respect.”
Harris, if elected, will be the first black vice president, the first woman vice president, and the first vice president whose heritage includes Indian and Jamaican ancestry.
Local officials agree that civility will be important during the coming general election. Leslie Herrick, a longtime Dearborn Democratic Club member and current Dearborn City Councilwoman, says that it’s important for citizens to remain civil during the coming general election.
“We all need to remember we are working toward a better future for our families and our country,” said Herrick. “When matters are important to us, we can speak up – it’s important to speak up to create positive change – but we need to do it respectfully.”
