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Kamala Harris accused of disrespecting military by refusing to salute Air Force Two honor guard: 'Disgraceful'

'It is a clear demonstration of her dislike for those in uniform, both law enforcement, and military,' said former NYPD Commissioner Bernard Kerik

Kamala Harris is facing backlash after a string of videos emerged of the Vice President not saluting the military when she arrives at or steps off Air Force Two. Her predecessors, including former Vice Presidents Mike Pence and current president Joe Biden, however, can be spotted in numerous clips saluting officers. Critics online alleged that Harris, on the other hand, appears more interested in fluffing her hair than showing respect to those who serve the nation.

It's worth noting that there are no hard and fast protocols that call for Presidents and Vice Presidents to salute military personnel. However, it was President Ronald Reagan who started the modern era tradition of saluting officers stationed at the steps for Marine One and Air Force One, as a sign of respect. Since Reagan, every sitting President and VP has maintained the practice, including former President Barack Obama, former VP Mike Pence, and Biden.

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The controversy began with the most recent video of Harris arriving in Jacksonville, Florida. Internet sleuths subsequently revisited past clips of the vice president in which she appeared to ignore officers.

Harris did not salute the military at Dobbins Air Reserve Base before departing from Atlanta, Georgia, on March 19.

On March 16, Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, were seen departing Los Angeles, California, where the VP once again failed to salute the officers.

On March 15, the day before, Harris was seen fluffing her hair as she arrived in Las Vegas with her husband.

On the contrary, there are several clips of former Vice Presidents Pence and Biden saluting the military while stepping on or off Air Force Two. The last vice president to not salute officers was Dick Cheney.

In the following video, he is seen arriving in Charleston, South Carolina with Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) on March 17, 2006. When asked about it, Cheney said he was "outside of the chain of command" in his position as vice president.

Having said that, netizens appeared rather taken aback with the latest video of Harris snubbing the military. “Just sit with this image and ponder the exponential power it holds," The Washington Post’s Jonathan Capehart remarked on Twitter.

"DISGRACEFUL: @VP Kamala Harris refuses to salute the honor guard at the steps of the aircraft. It is a clear demonstration of her dislike for those in uniform, both law enforcement, and military," former NYPD Commissioner Bernard Kerik commented.

"Really strikes home the fact that she has never served in the military," military vet Dr. Jason Roberge added.

"It's not hard to do @VP - please show respect for those who are willing to put their lives on the line for you!" one user wrote.

"BOTUS! Figure it out for yourself! Just know if things go like they are going now and the HR1 passes she’ll be running things for 16 years. What did these military men and women do to her to act with such overt discrimination!" another added.

"And we are supposed to respect her and the lying lips of Biden!!! Don’t even ever say to me that we need to respect these disgraceful people along with Pelosi, Schumer, and the rest of this horrible administration!" a third chimed in.