CNN slams Vice President Kamala Harris for using imagery of Trump’s border wall in her latest ads, igniting a new wave of criticism.
At a Glance
- CNN investigation highlights Vice President Kamala Harris using imagery of Trump’s border wall in her campaign ads.
- Harris had previously condemned the wall as “useless” and un-American.
- CNN’s “Erin Burnett OutFront” discussed the issue with KFile senior editor Andrew Kaczynski who found 50 instances of Harris criticizing Trump’s border wall.
- Harris’ campaign ad features a portion of the wall built under the Trump administration.
Harris’s Use of Trump’s Border Wall in Campaign Ads
According to a recent investigation by CNN, Vice President Kamala Harris has been incorporating imagery of Donald Trump’s border wall in her latest campaign advertisements. This move has sparked significant controversy, given Harris’s earlier vocal opposition to the wall. During her tenure as a senator, she frequently labeled the wall as “useless,” “medieval,” and a “vanity project” created by the Trump administration.
The choice of using such imagery has led to accusations of hypocrisy from critics on both sides of the political aisle. CNN’s report, especially through the segment on “Erin Burnett OutFront,” scrutinized this apparent contradiction. Andrew Kaczynski, senior editor of CNN’s KFile, discussed during the segment that he found over fifty instances of Harris condemning the border wall in the past.
Consistency in Political Messaging
This revelation has intensified ongoing debates about consistency in political messaging. Harris’s recent campaign ad features a considerable portion of the wall, which includes anti-climbing plates—an element popularized during the Trump administration’s efforts to curb illegal immigration. This stark contrast to her previous stands has led many to question the authenticity of her current stances and policies.
Although Harris has attempted to portray herself as tough on immigration in her new advertisements, her prior statements remain a point of contention. In her 2019 book, “The Truths We Hold”, Harris referred to the wall as a “monument standing in opposition” to American values. Such a strong previous condemnation raises questions about her current strategic decisions.
Political Consequences
The issue has broader implications for Harris and the Biden administration’s immigration policies. Critics argue that Harris’s apparent flip-flopping on the border wall could impact her credibility and her ability to communicate consistent values to voters. Furthermore, it emphasizes the broader challenge politicians face in maintaining consistent messaging amid shifting political landscapes.
Harris’s stance on immigration has always been a critical component of her political identity. However, using Trump’s border wall imagery introduces a layer of complexity and controversy that may resonate differently with diverse voter groups.
Sources:
- CNN calls out Harris for using Trump’s border wall in campaign ad after condemning it for years
- CNN call out Kamala Harris for using Trump’s border wall in campaign ad
- KFile: Harris move to the center on border wall, asylum contradicts her years of progressive immigration positions
- CNN: Harris hypocritically uses images of Trump’s border wall in ads claiming her to be tough on immigration enforcement
- CNN’s Burnett: Harris Repeatedly Slammed Trump’s Wall and Now Features It in Ads
