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Jen Psaki called 'pathetic' for dropping 'C' word as reason for Kamala Harris criticism

'Easier for some to go after her because she is a woman of color,' said Jen Psaki in an interview

After a bombshell CNN article saying Joe Biden wasn't supportive of his Vice President Kamala Harris, Press Secretary Jen Psaki has gone on the offensive to correct the record. On November 15, she put out a tweet indicating Biden still backed Harris and followed it up by attempting to defend the VP in an interview on November 17. However, things didn't exactly go as planned, with Psaki being slammed for claiming Harris was being attacked simply for being a woman of color.

The CNN report indicated that there was severe infighting between team Biden and team Harris, with the VP being kept in the dark over major policy initiatives. It was followed days later by another one claiming Harris was at loggerheads with First Lady Jill Biden. In a bid to stem the rumors, the duo shared an awkward hug at the White House on November 15, when Biden signed into law the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

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It appears the administration is now rolling out a massive campaign to show all is well, beginning with the hug and a few words of support from both Biden and Harris for each other at the event. Psaki has added to that effort, not just through her tweet, but in an interview with POLITICO. Appearing at the publication's Women Rule event via live stream, Psaki defended Biden's lack of press time and the VP in a quite controversial manner.

'Right-wing have gone after her because she is a woman of color'

The host asked Psaki if Harris' race and color played a role in her significant criticism, to which she replied, "Criticism from the outside. Absolutely." She then added, "I do think it's been easier and harsher from some on the right-wing who have gone after her because she is the first woman, the first woman of color." The Press Secretary also offered a defense for Harris, who like the President is facing sagging support. 

"It's a lot to have on your shoulders," she said and said Harris wanted to be seen as a "talented, experienced expert, substantive policy person," rather than being attacked for her identity. Psaki also addressed the rating drop, saying, "We are very sober about the fact that there are some challenges, real challenges people are going through in this country. We're working to try to fix them."

While it may not have been the strong defense Harris is reportedly seeking, Psaki's words do show that Biden's team appears to be backing her. But, attempting to paint it as a racist and sexist issue clearly didn't work wonders for Psaki, or Harris. Social media was quick to slam Psaki for her response to the question. 

'This has nothing to do with color or gender'

"Excuses for poor performance, so play the victim card, pathetic," one user tweeted. Another commented, "There is some truth to the statement in this headline, but that’s no excuse…" One angry user commented, "Psaki says Harris faces more criticism because she is a woman and woman of color Always the fall back excuse for incompetence."

"Such BS from Psaki, everyone can see Harris is a lazy dips--t!," one user trolled. Another slammed, "How about Harris is just a worthless VP. No color. No gender. Just incompetent!!" One person said, "⁦@PressSec⁩ this has nothing to do with color or gender it’s all about her not being cable of doing what’s she’s supposed to be doing, I will concede and admit she’s very educated but she is unfit for this role ….period."

Both Harris and Biden are facing falling approval ratings which are now at historic lows. Despite managing to pass the bipartisan infrastructure bill, Biden's rating is now at 38%, while Harris is even lower at just 28%. The duo is also being heavily criticized for their public gaffes, which have come to haunt Biden's press team.