Many Republican senators are expressing discomfort and embarrassment over former President Trump’s remarks questioning Vice President Harris’s racial identity, suggesting she only adopted a Black identity for political gain.
Trump’s comments, made at the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Chicago, quickly made headlines and placed GOP lawmakers in a difficult position. Some Republicans avoided addressing whether Trump crossed a line, preferring instead to emphasize policy differences with Harris, while others remained silent on the issue altogether.
Thom Tillis described Trump’s comments as a distraction
The discomfort among Republicans is palpable, with many uneasy about the direction Trump’s rhetoric is taking the race. They fear it could devolve into something much uglier as Election Day approaches.
“They’re uncomfortable but hesitant to speak out,” said one Republican senator, noting the reluctance to criticize Trump openly stems from a desire to maintain support from his base. There is growing concern that remaining silent on such issues could backfire on the party.
Trump’s remarks, which questioned Harris’s racial heritage, drew a mixed response from Republicans. While some, like Sen. Lindsey Graham, acknowledged that Harris has always embraced her heritage proudly, others, such as Sen.
Thom Tillis described Trump’s comments as a distraction from the important policy issues that should be the focus of the campaign. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer highlighted the embarrassment among Republicans, sharing that a senior colleague privately expressed concern that Trump’s remarks could hurt their chances in the upcoming election.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski criticized the focus on race, arguing that the campaign should be centered on policy issues rather than personal attacks. Scott Jennings, a former adviser to Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, bluntly stated that Trump’s comments were damaging, likening them to a self-inflicted wound that the former president could either exacerbate or rectify.
Other Republicans, including Sen. Susan Collins and Sen. Roger Wicker, urged Trump to stick to policy discussions, warning that his comments on race could be counterproductive and alienate swing voters.
There is a strong sentiment among Republicans that Trump’s approach is diverting attention from the critical issues facing the country, such as national security, the economy, and border control. Sen. Mike Rounds emphasized that focusing on policy is the best strategy for the GOP to win back the White House and Congress, cautioning that engaging in debates over race could undermine their chances.
