WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris used a profanity Monday as she offered advice to young Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders on how to overcome barriers.
Harris was participating in a conversation moderated by actor and comedian Jimmy O. Yang when he asked her what it means to be the first vice president of Asian descent and how that heritage has influenced her views and roles as a leader. Harris’ mother was from India and her father from Jamaica, and she is the first woman elected vice president.
Harris gave a long answer telling young people to hold their heads up when they walk into rooms where no one else looks like them.
She added: “We need to know that sometimes people will open the door for you and leave it open. “Sometimes they won’t. And then you have to kick down that damn door.”
The audience clapped and roared. Harris laughed himself and said, “Excuse my language.”
Profanity in politics is not entirely uncommon. This past weekend, presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump led a crowd at a rally chanting “Bulls–” in reference to his criminal trial in New York City. When Joe Biden was vice president, he was overheard telling President Barack Obama that newly passed health care legislation was a “big deal.” Harris generally avoids such expressions in her public appearances.
The vice president made her comments in a conversation at the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies’ annual Legislative Leadership Summit. The conversation was broadcast live on the White House website.
Harris was also scheduled to speak alongside President Biden on Monday evening at a reception in the White House Rose Garden celebrating May as Asian American, Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
