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Fact check: Kamala became VP because of her skin color...the most obvious DEI hire

Checked on September 18, 2025

1. Summary of the results

The claim that Kamala Harris became Vice President because of her skin color, referred to as the "most obvious DEI hire," is contradicted by multiple sources. According to [1], Kamala Harris has decades of experience in elective office and significant achievements as a seasoned politician, which undermines the notion that she was chosen solely for her diversity [1]. Similarly, [2] notes that such attacks are a familiar strategy used to drive racial grievance and undermine the legitimacy of Black people in power, and that Harris' qualifications and experience make such claims unfounded [2]. Furthermore, [3] indicates that the 'DEI hire' label is a slur used to devalue Kamala Harris' qualifications and experience, and that her record speaks for itself, making the claim baseless [3]. Additional analyses from [2], [1], and [3] reinforce these findings, suggesting that the 'DEI hire' label is being used to undermine her qualifications and imply that she only achieved her position due to her race or gender [2], and that she has a long history of public service and election wins, which contradicts the idea that she was hired solely due to diversity efforts [1]. Overall, the analyses overwhelmingly suggest that Kamala Harris' qualifications and experience make her a strong candidate, despite attempts to undermine her with racist and sexist tropes [3].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

A key missing context in the original statement is the lack of consideration for Kamala Harris' qualifications and experience, which are extensively documented in the analyses [1] [2] [3]. Alternative viewpoints, such as those presented in the analyses, highlight the strategic use of the 'DEI hire' label to undermine Kamala Harris' legitimacy [2]. Additionally, the sources emphasize the importance of considering the historical and social context in which such labels are used, and how they perpetuate racist and sexist stereotypes [3]. It is also worth noting that multiple sources [1] [2] [3] present a consistent narrative that contradicts the original statement, underscoring the need for a more nuanced understanding of the issue.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement appears to be motivated by a bias against diversity and inclusion efforts, and perpetuates a harmful stereotype that individuals from diverse backgrounds are only hired due to their race or gender, rather than their qualifications [1] [2] [3]. This misinformation can be damaging to individuals and communities who are already marginalized and underrepresented [2] [3]. The Republican lawmakers and congressmen who use the 'DEI hire' label may benefit from this framing, as it allows them to undermine the legitimacy of Kamala Harris and other individuals from diverse backgrounds [2] [1]. However, this framing is not supported by the evidence, and multiple sources [1] [2] [3] present a more nuanced and accurate understanding of the issue.

Want to dive deeper?
What were Kamala Harris' key accomplishments as a senator before becoming VP?
How does Kamala Harris' background reflect the diversity of the US population?
What are the arguments for and against considering diversity in high-level government appointments?
How has Kamala Harris addressed criticisms of being a 'diversity hire'?
What role does the Vice President play in shaping US policy on diversity and inclusion?