Lara Trump, the Republican Party co-chair and former President Donald J. Trump’s daughter-in-law, recently made a harsh comparison between Vice President Kamala Harris and a fashion designer’s faux “trash bag” that was sold for a high price. This personal attack is just one in a series of attacks that Republicans have launched against the vice president since she became the Democratic nominee for president.
During an appearance on Fox News with Sean Hannity, Ms. Trump expressed her frustration with the way people now view Ms. Harris as a political figure, especially after President Biden endorsed her for the party’s presidential nominee. She likened the situation to a designer trash bag that was sold for thousands of dollars, drawing parallels to Ms. Harris.
The faux trash bag she referred to was created by Balenciaga in 2022 and caused a stir in the fashion world. This comparison used by Ms. Trump is part of a larger pattern of personal attacks on Ms. Harris by Republicans, who have targeted her race and gender in their criticisms.
Some of Mr. Trump’s allies have gone as far as calling Ms. Harris a “D.E.I.” hire, referencing diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. At a recent religious conservative gathering, Mr. Trump himself referred to Ms. Harris as a “bum.” These attacks have sparked backlash from some Republicans, including Nikki Haley, a daughter of Indian immigrants who has urged her party to focus on Ms. Harris’s record rather than resorting to personal insults.
Despite the escalating rhetoric, the Harris campaign has not responded to these attacks. Some Republicans have cautioned against the use of racist and sexist language when criticizing Ms. Harris, warning that it could have negative consequences.
In the midst of this controversy, it is important to remember the impact of such personal attacks on the political discourse. It is crucial for politicians and commentators to engage in respectful and substantive discussions about policy and leadership, rather than resorting to name-calling and derogatory remarks.
Neil Vigdor’s coverage of politics for The Times sheds light on voting rights issues and election disinformation, highlighting the need for a more civil and constructive approach to political dialogue.
