Stewart Questions Harris’ Decision on Running Mate

On “A Weekly Show with John Stewart,” comedian John Stewart voiced his frustration and confusion regarding Vice President Kamala Harris’s choice to not select former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg as her running mate due to his sexual orientation. Harris elaborated on her reasoning in her memoir, “107 Days,” stating it felt “too risky” for a Black woman to team up with a gay man in a presidential run.

During an interview with Ken Martin, chair of the Democratic National Committee, Stewart criticized this decision as an example of the Democratic party not aligning with their stated values. He expressed disappointment, suggesting that such hesitations undermine trust in what they advocate for.

Stewart pointed out that when Harris mentioned her reluctance to partner with Buttigieg, it reflected a counterproductive stance, essentially questioning the party’s commitment to its ideals. The tension seemed palpable, especially given the stakes involved.

Harris also spoke critically of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz on “The Rachel Maddow Show,” trying to clarify her position further. She emphasized that it wasn’t about his capabilities but rather the challenges of aligning various group identities in her decision-making process during a high-stakes election.

She reassured Maddow of her support for the LGBTQ+ community, insisting her decisions weren’t born out of bias but rather caution under pressure. Harris acknowledged Buttigieg’s contributions and suggested that America is ready for his leadership. However, the tight timeline and immense pressure made her cautious.

For his part, Buttigieg expressed surprise at Harris’s remarks, asserting that he aims to earn voters’ trust through his actions and policies rather than identities. He suggested that presenting credible candidates is crucial, especially in a nation grappling with diverse identities.