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Is Kamala Harris 'racist'? VP blasted for wiping palm after handshake with South Korean president Moon Jae-in

'I couldn't believe your behavior. Are you a racist? If not, why did you do this?' asked one tweet commenting on the viral video

Vice President Kamala Harris came under fire after a video of her wiping her palm on her trouser after shaking hands with South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Friday, May 21, went viral over the weekend. 

The meeting between Harris and the world leader was only the second in-person session with a foreign leader held by the Biden administration since coming to office, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The viral footage in question was recorded during a press conference held by Harris and Moon. Harris appearing to immediately wipe down her hand on her trouser after the pair ended their joint conference. The moment was edited, zoomed into, and slowed down by conservative critics to make the video that mocks Harris for her faux pas. 

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'Would be racist, if this was a Republican'

People on Twitter were quick to share the video across the platform and criticize the VP as racist. Some users noted that the moment would have gotten widespread attention from mainstream media if it was a white male or a Republican vice president making the same 'disrespectful' gesture. "Harris made every American look rude and disrespectful," one of them said, while another noted, "This is the US VP?.. Not only disrespectful, but it would be racist, if this was a Republican, all over the news for sure..Double standards on full display #KamalaHarris." A third noted, "Oh boy if this was a republican VP, every Democrat and liberal: that was racist disrespectful & xenophobia @VP"

Another commented, "Wow - talk about Asian hate - how insulting if you are a Korean person - what a racist thing to do. Wow I am shocked and embarrassed for her - blatantly a racist." The next remarked, "Racist@VP busted wipes her hand after shaking hand of South #Korean president. She was appalled having to shake an Asian man’s hand. So she immediately wiped her hand off on her pants. #AsianHate #Racism #Disrespect."

One more noted, "I couldn't believe your behavior. Are you a racist? If not, why did you do this? [Vice President Harris wiping his hands on his pants after shaking hands]" while another said: "Kamala Harris does a hand wipe after shaking hands with SK President Moon! Wow! That’s so embarrassing!"

Following the meeting, Harris tweeted: "Today, I met with Republic of Korea President Moon. We discussed North Korea, global health, and how we can address the root causes of migration from the Northern Triangle. We look forward to working with President Moon to address the challenges we face."

Moon's visit to Washington came as he sought renewed diplomatic intervention by the US to curb North Korea's nuclear program. So far, the White House, under President Joe Biden has indicated that it is taking a longer view on the issue. Topics such as vaccine distribution, climate change, and regional security concerns spurred by China were also discussed with Biden.