The Political Insider

On Wednesday, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said she believes sexism and racism are part of the reason people criticize Vice President Kamala Harris.

The White House has been in full defense mode since a recent CNN expose revealed dysfunction and incompetence in the White House, and tension between the President’s office and the VP’s office.

Harris also has extremely low approval numbers.

Psaki made her remarks during Politico’s “Women Rule” event.

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Psaki: ‘Some in the right wing who have gone after her because she is the first woman, the first woman of color’

Because it’s the only think they are capable of doing, Psaki went to the old stand-by explanation.

Psaki said, “I do think that it has been easier and harsher from some in the right wing who have gone after her because she is the first woman, the first woman of color. I’m not suggesting anyone will acknowledge that publicly.”

“One of the things I really admire about the vice president: She is the first African American, woman of color, Indian American woman to serve in this job — woman,” Psaki said. “It’s a lot to have on your shoulders.”

Psaki admitted that current political circumstances have been challenging for the Biden administration and these factors might have led to sinking approval ratings, but the White House Press Secretary also said regarding Harris that “there have been some attacks that have been beyond because of her identity.”

She didn’t give any examples.

There have been signals lately that perhaps all is not well between the president and vice president.

On Sunday, CNN reported on these alleged frustrations between the two camps. Reports indicate that Team Harris has grown increasingly frustrated with Team Biden for essentially sidelining her.

Just days ago, Psaki refused to say whether or not Biden would support a future Harris presidential run.

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Psaki Defends Harris After Negative Reports

“Many in the vice president’s circle fume that she’s not being adequately prepared or positioned, and instead is being sidelined,” noted CNN. “The vice president herself has told several confidants she feels constrained in what she’s able to do politically.”

This report prompted pushback from White House officials, including Psaki, who told reporters that Harris is a trusted adviser to the president who is taking on challenging issues like migration and voting rights.

Psaki said during Politico’s “Women Rule” event that the vice president “wants to be seen” as a policy person and adviser to the president.