DEI attacks on Harris create risks for GOP

Republicans are warning their colleagues to back off using diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) politics to attack Vice President Harris as she launches her presidential bid.

The GOP has had to quickly revamp its attacks in the days since President Biden withdrew from the 2024 race and Democrats coalesced around Harris as his replacement — and some members have taken swipes over her race and gender in arguing she is unqualified.

Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) called Harris a “DEI hire.” Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Wis.) similarly told local media that Democrats will elevate her to replace Biden as their nominee because they “feel they have to stick with her because of her ethnic background.”