"They/Them" Attacks Resurface: Republicans Target Kamala Harris In Midterm Ads

Michael

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Post on Aug 11, 2025

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They/Them Attacks Resurface: Republicans Target Kamala Harris in Midterm Ads

The use of gender identity as a political weapon is back in the spotlight, as Republican midterm election ads increasingly target Vice President Kamala Harris using “they/them” pronouns, despite her publicly identifying as a woman. This tactic, criticized as divisive and transphobic by many, marks a resurgence of a controversial strategy employed during previous election cycles. The move is raising concerns about the increasingly aggressive tone of political discourse and the weaponization of identity politics.

A Controversial Strategy Revived

The ads, airing in key battleground states, employ a subtle yet pointed misgendering of Harris. While not explicitly stating she identifies as anything other than female, the use of "they/them" pronouns subtly undermines her identity and aims to create confusion and sow discord among voters. This tactic is reminiscent of similar attacks used against other prominent figures, highlighting a troubling pattern in modern political campaigning. Political analysts suggest this strategy aims to energize the Republican base and potentially appeal to voters harboring anti-trans sentiments.

Beyond Harris: A Broader Trend

This isn't an isolated incident. Similar attacks, although perhaps not as prominent, have been deployed against other Democratic figures in recent months. This worrying trend suggests a calculated effort to normalize the use of misgendering as a political tactic. The long-term consequences of this approach are unclear, but experts warn it could further polarize the electorate and normalize harmful rhetoric.

The Response: Outrage and Analysis

The response to these ads has been swift and largely negative. Democratic leaders have condemned the tactic as disrespectful, transphobic, and indicative of a broader decline in the quality of political debate. LGBTQ+ advocacy groups have also voiced their outrage, highlighting the harm such language can inflict on transgender and non-binary individuals.

Several political commentators have analyzed the strategy, suggesting it's a risky move that could backfire. Alienating moderate voters and drawing unwanted negative attention could outweigh any perceived benefits of energizing the Republican base. The effectiveness of such divisive tactics remains a subject of debate, with some suggesting that such strategies may ultimately hurt the campaigns employing them.

The Implications for the Midterm Elections

The impact of these “they/them” attacks on the midterm elections remains to be seen. While it's difficult to quantify their direct influence on voter behavior, they undeniably contribute to the already tense political climate. The focus on identity politics, often at the expense of substantive policy discussions, raises concerns about the overall health of the American political system.

Moving Forward: A Call for Civil Discourse

The use of misgendering as a political tactic demands attention and a critical examination of the current state of political discourse. It's crucial to foster respectful dialogue and challenge harmful rhetoric that targets individuals based on their gender identity. Moving forward, a renewed focus on substantive policy debates and respectful engagement is essential for a healthy democracy. We need to actively combat this type of harmful political strategy and promote an inclusive environment for all. The future of political campaigning hinges on a commitment to civility and respect.

Keywords: They/them pronouns, Kamala Harris, Republican midterm ads, political attacks, transphobic, gender identity, identity politics, midterm elections, political strategy, divisive rhetoric, LGBTQ+, political discourse, election campaigning.