In a recent interview with Kara Swisher on the “On with Kara Swisher” podcast, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton defended Vice President Kamala Harris, arguing that Harris faces an unfair “double standard” from voters and media for being asked to explain her policy positions.
Clinton’s comments come on the heels of Harris’s long-awaited release of her policy platform, which had been delayed for weeks while she avoided media scrutiny.
Clinton firmly stated that Harris does not need to continually explain her positions, emphasizing that Harris has already made her policies accessible on her campaign website. “She does not have to do it, Kara. I’m going to just cut to the chase,” Clinton remarked.
“In fact, she’s put out policies on her campaign website. Anybody who’s truly interested can go and read about them.” She praised Harris for not just having vague concepts but actual plans, although critics have pointed out that Harris’s platform lacks specific details in key areas.
Former politician @HillaryClinton: “It’s a double standard” to ask Kamala Harris about her policies pic.twitter.com/U1lQoN3rTE
— Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) September 18, 2024
Clinton linked the scrutiny of Harris to a broader gender issue, suggesting that voters, especially white women, still struggle with the idea of a woman leading the country as president and commander in chief. “I think it’s, um, you know, it’s a double standard,” Clinton said, explaining that voters are still “getting to know” Harris and dealing with their own biases about a female leader.
This isn’t the first time Clinton has addressed what she views as sexism in politics. Having faced her own challenges as a woman running for president, she sees Harris’s experience as part of the ongoing difficulties women in leadership encounter.
However, Clinton’s defense of Harris has sparked debates, with some arguing that all candidates, regardless of gender, should face tough questions about their policies, while others agree that Harris is being judged more harshly than her male counterparts.
As Harris’s campaign continues, the conversation around gender in politics will likely remain a key topic, especially as the nation navigates the upcoming election.