After President Joe Biden’s disastrous debate, speculations that Vice President Kamala Harris may fill the void are everywhere. Today on WIRED Politics Lab, how the far right is already pushing racist and misogynistic conspiracies that question Harris’ ability to be president. Plus, why RFK Jr. is looking to capitalize on the moment.
In the two weeks since President Joe Biden’s disastrous debate performance, political pundits and even some Democrats have called for him to step aside. And while Biden insists he won’t quit, everyone is looking closely at Vice President Kamala Harris. That includes the far right on the internet, who are spreading disinformation to discredit her hypothetical presidential run before it even begins.
David Gilbert, a WIRED reporter, discussed the disinformation swirling around Harris on social media, highlighting attacks on her gender and race. From claims of her being a DEI hire to questioning her eligibility to be president, these conspiracies are gaining traction in fringe online communities and transitioning to more mainstream platforms like X and Fox News.
Laura Loomer, a far-right activist, and even Fox News have joined the chorus of attacking Harris, labeling her as the DEI candidate and questioning her qualifications. The attacks on Harris are escalating, with misogynistic and racist undertones becoming more prevalent.
Meanwhile, RFK Jr.’s campaign is leveraging the chaos surrounding Harris’ conspiracies, with the belief that he could potentially be a replacement nominee if Biden were to step down. Despite controversies surrounding RFK Jr., his campaign is gaining momentum, especially on platforms like X, where he is investing heavily in ad buys and engaging with his supporters.
As RFK Jr. continues to make waves in the political landscape, the far-right continues to spread conspiracies about Harris, creating a volatile environment leading up to the next election cycle. With the rise of disinformation and targeted attacks, the political landscape is becoming increasingly polarized and fraught with uncertainty. Stay tuned for more updates on WIRED Politics Lab as the story unfolds.
