The fallout from Kamala Harris’ failed presidential bid continues to unravel as Black staffers from her campaign are now accusing the organization of “outright racial discrimination.” The New York Times published a damning report on Sunday titled “How Alarmed Harris Staffers Went Rogue to Reach Black and Latino Voters,” revealing deep internal dysfunction and frustrations among minority campaign staffers who felt sidelined and ignored.
The article details how some Black and Latino staffers grew so disillusioned with the campaign’s leadership that they went rogue, organizing stealth efforts to engage minority voters after their concerns were repeatedly brushed off. According to the Times, these acts of defiance “represented extraordinary acts of insubordination against the Harris campaign.”
An internal survey commissioned by the campaign uncovered troubling disparities, showing that Black staff members were far more likely than their peers to feel ignored and undervalued. The survey’s results were reportedly shared with campaign leadership, yet little action was taken to address these grievances. Some staffers even alleged blatant racial discrimination, a damning accusation for a campaign that touted itself as a champion of diversity and inclusion.
The campaign’s failure to harness minority voter enthusiasm is particularly glaring given the vast resources at its disposal. Despite raising over a billion dollars, the Harris campaign spent millions on wealthy celebrities and flashy initiatives that ultimately did little to mobilize key demographics. This mismanagement highlights a disconnect between the campaign’s messaging and its actual treatment of minority staffers and voters.
To make matters worse, after the election, principal deputy campaign manager Quentin Fulks reportedly warned staffers on an all-staff call that speaking to the press would ruin their career prospects. Four staff members on the call confirmed this account. However, campaign spokeswoman Lauren Hitt denied the accusation, claiming Fulks merely advised staffers not to say anything in anger that could harm themselves or the vice president.
The irony is stark. A campaign led by the first Black female vice-presidential candidate, one that prided itself on inclusivity, has now been exposed for sidelining the very voices it claimed to uplift. The lack of accountability and failure to address internal concerns may help explain why Harris failed to resonate with Black and Latino voters despite her historic candidacy.
The revelations of dysfunction, poor leadership, and mistreatment within the Harris campaign underscore the broader failures that led to her defeat. While the campaign may have had money to burn, it ultimately burned bridges with its own staff and key demographics—a failure that may haunt Harris’ political legacy for years to come.
Leave a Comment