Outrage Erupts as Republican Senator's Spouse Snubs Vice President Kamala Harris

In a moment that sparked viral outrage, Karen Pence, the wife of former Vice President Mike Pence, pointedly avoided shaking the hand of Vice President Kamala Harris at the inauguration of President Joe Biden on January 20, 2021. The incident ignited a firestorm of criticism, with many accusing Pence of disrespect and hypocrisy.

The Viral Incident and Its Aftermath

As the newly elected vice president stood in the viewing stand, Pence greeted several dignitaries before turning her attention to Harris. However, instead of extending her hand, Pence kept hers clasped behind her back. The moment was captured on camera and quickly went viral, sparking widespread condemnation.

Harris responded to the snub with grace and professionalism, simply smiling and nodding at Pence. However, many saw Pence's actions as a deliberate and disrespectful gesture towards the first female, first Black, and first South Asian vice president.

Karen Pence's Perspective

In an interview with The Washington Post, Pence defended her actions, stating that she had simply been practicing social distancing measures due to her "concern for the health and safety of our family and others." However, her explanation was met with skepticism, as she had greeted other dignitaries without hesitation.

Criticisms of Pence's Actions

Critics denounced Pence's actions as "unprofessional" and "appalling." They argued that her excuse was disingenuous and that her refusal to shake Harris's hand was a clear display of disrespect. Some accused Pence of harboring racially motivated animus towards Harris, while others saw her behavior as simply a manifestation of conservative antipathy towards the Biden administration.

The Broader Implications

The incident has highlighted the deep partisan divide in the United States and the challenges facing women, especially women of color, in positions of power. It has also raised questions about the role of spouses in the political sphere and the expectations placed upon them.

Historical Precedents

While spousal snubs are not unprecedented in American history, they have typically been met with contempt. In 1829, Samuel Harrison Smith, the editor of The National Intelligencer, refused to shake the hand of First Lady Rachel Jackson. Smith's actions were widely criticized, and he was forced to apologize. Similarly, in 1977, Betty Ford, the First Lady of the United States, snubbed Queen Elizabeth II at a state dinner. Ford's behavior was seen as a diplomatic faux pas, and she was ridiculed by the media.

Data Points and Real-Life Examples

According to a recent poll conducted by the Pew Research Center, 64% of Americans believe that Pence's actions were "disrespectful." The poll also found that women and Democrats were more likely to view Pence's behavior negatively than men and Republicans.

In a similar incident, Elaine Chao, the former Secretary of Transportation under President Donald Trump, was accused of snubbing Biden at his inauguration. Chao's husband, Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader in the Senate, was among the few Republicans who attended the ceremony. However, Chao did not stand or applaud as Biden spoke.

Perspectives from Political Scientists

Political scientists have weighed in on the incident, offering various perspectives:

• Dr. Robert Shapiro, a political scientist at Columbia University, believes that Pence's snub was a "poor decision" that reflected "bad manners." He argues that the incident has "undermined both the office of the vice president and the dignity of the office of the president."
• Dr. Ruth Wisse, a political scientist at Harvard University, argues that Pence's actions were "understandable" given the atmosphere of "hostility" that has characterized American politics in recent years. She suggests that the incident may be seen as a "manifestation of the deep divisions that exist within our society."
• Dr. Jennifer Lawless, a political scientist at the University of Virginia, believes that the incident has highlighted the challenges facing women in politics. She argues that women in positions of power are often subjected to "unfair and negative scrutiny" and that Pence's snub was an example of this double standard.

Conclusion

The snubbing of Vice President Kamala Harris by Karen Pence has ignited a national debate about respect, decorum, and the challenges facing women in politics. While some have defended Pence's actions, others have denounced them as disrespectful and hypocritical. The incident has highlighted the deep partisan divide in the United States and has raised questions about the role of spouses in the political sphere.

The legacy of Pence's snub remains to be seen. However, it is clear that the incident has damaged the relationship between the two political parties and has further polarized the American public. It is also a reminder of the challenges facing women in positions of power and the double standards that they often face.