US Vice President Kamala Harris faced criticism after listing reducing the population as one of the Biden administration’s areas of green investment during a speech in Maryland. The White House later claimed that she misspoke and meant to say “pollution” instead. Despite not correcting herself on stage, the word “population” was struck from the White House transcript and replaced with “pollution.”
Harris made the statement while discussing the Biden administration’s commitment to green energy and its plan to invest in clean energy, electric vehicles, and pollution reduction. She stated, “When we invest in clean energy and electric vehicles and reduce pollution, more of our children can breathe clean air and drink clean water.” The audience at Baltimore’s Coppin State University responded with applause.
The Biden administration has allocated $20 billion for community-based climate projects, with $12 billion specifically earmarked for historically-disadvantaged areas. This funding is part of Washington’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The funds will support climate and clean energy projects across America through a national network of nonprofits, community lenders, and other financial institutions.
Critics of Harris pointed to her alleged gaffe as evidence of a hidden agenda to reduce the population. They suggested that the true aim of the administration’s efforts to address climate change was population control. Republican Congressman Thomas Massie questioned whether the population Harris referred to included his followers.
In addition to the population remark, Harris has faced criticism for stumbling through multiple public appearances. During a panel discussion on artificial intelligence at the White House, she struggled to explain the technology, stating, “It’s kind of a fancy thing. First of all, it’s two letters. It means artificial intelligence.” She also made a somewhat vague statement during a roundtable on transportation for people with disabilities, saying, “the issue of transportation is fundamentally about just making sure that people have the ability to get where they need to go.” These comments attracted mockery on social media.
Critics, including commentators Megyn Kelly and Harris Faulkner from Fox News, questioned Harris’ fitness to succeed President Joe Biden. These incidents have raised concerns about her competence and ability to effectively communicate complex concepts.
While the White House has defended Harris and claimed she misspoke, the controversy surrounding her remarks and public appearances continues to fuel speculation and criticism. As the VP and a prominent representative of the Biden administration, Harris’s statements and actions attract significant attention and scrutiny. The hope is that she will address these concerns, clarify her positions, and improve her communication skills to effectively convey the administration’s policies and goals.
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