Vice President Kamala Harris firmly responded to recent personal criticism while reaffirming her stance on gun ownership in a recent interview.
In a wide-ranging conversation with WIRED, Harris addressed comments regarding her family and emphasized her commitment to gun safety laws, as the Washington Examiner reports.
Harris, during a WIRED "autocomplete interview," spoke openly about her stepchildren in response to remarks made by Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders. The Republican governor, while appearing at a political event with Donald Trump, implied that Harris lacked humility because she did not have children of her own. Harris was quick to respond, stating that she has two stepchildren from her marriage to entertainment lawyer Doug Emhoff.
Harris married Emhoff in 2014, becoming a stepmother to his children, Cole and Ella, from his first marriage to Kerstin Mackin. In the interview, Harris reflected on her own experience growing up with divorced parents and how that shaped her relationship with her stepchildren. "Cole and Ella became my cherished children," she said, adding that building a bond with them was a priority from the start of her relationship with Emhoff.
The VP expressed pride in her stepchildren, saying she loves them "to pieces" and considers them her own. The vice president took a moment to laugh off the common public misconception that she does not have children, emphasizing the importance of humor in the face of political challenges.
Huckabee Sanders’s comments, made during an event in Flint, Michigan, were seen by some as an attempt to criticize Harris’s personal life while appealing to conservative voters. Huckabee Sanders has faced scrutiny in the past over her public statements, particularly as Trump and his running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance, continue efforts to win over women voters following the Supreme Court’s decision reversing Roe v. Wade.
Harris also addressed questions about her stance on gun ownership during the interview. She confirmed that she is a gun owner herself, but reiterated her belief that reasonable gun safety measures must be in place to protect the public. Harris voiced support for an assault weapons ban, universal background checks, and red flag laws, noting that these policies are compatible with upholding the Second Amendment.
Her remarks come at a time when gun control is a divisive issue in American politics, particularly as the nation continues to grapple with the aftermath of mass shootings. Harris maintained that responsible gun ownership can coexist with laws aimed at preventing violence. "We will not take anybody's guns away," she said, but emphasized that change is necessary to prevent tragedies.
Throughout the interview, Harris balanced her personal views with her public role, presenting herself as both a policymaker and a relatable figure dealing with the pressures of political life. Her comments on gun control and family dynamics highlighted her approach to leading with empathy and practicality.
In addition to defending her personal life and policy views, Harris touched on the importance of humor in a political career marked by criticism. She acknowledged that she is often the subject of online jokes and Google searches, but she took it in stride, expressing her love for laughter. "It’s really important to be able to laugh at yourself," Harris said, noting that while some moments demand seriousness, there should also be room for levity. This perspective, she argued, helps her navigate the intense scrutiny that comes with being in the public eye.
Harris's interview with WIRED coincided with ongoing criticism about her limited press availability. National media outlets have expressed frustration over her office’s tendency to prioritize interviews with local journalists and social media influencers, which has led to complaints about a lack of transparency.
Despite these critiques, Harris continued to showcase her resilience in the face of adversity, both personal and political. Her remarks on family, humor, and gun control were seen by some as part of a broader strategy to connect with voters and build rapport.
As Vice President Harris navigates her role, her statements on family dynamics, personal humility, and policy priorities offer a window into her approach to leadership. Her ability to respond to both personal and political challenges with grace and determination remains central to her public image.
