House Condemns Harris' Performance as Border Czar
The House of Representatives recently passed a resolution condemning Vice President Kamala Harris for her perceived failures as the border czar. The resolution, introduced by Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), criticizes Harris for her handling of the U.S.-Mexico border situation.
With support from all Republicans and six Democrats, the resolution highlights the ongoing border crisis, which has seen record numbers of illegal crossings since Harris was tasked with managing the issue in March 2021.
Wow…impressive. Bloggers and other researchers find 20,000 crossing border. And 50,000 more. And a million more. And DPS threatens us when we get close.
You are a gear in the clock ticking down the remaining life of our United States. And do not know what time it is.… https://t.co/H08tIR3kJ6 pic.twitter.com/8COOFYZVyV
— Michael Yon: Callsign BIG HONEY 6 (@Michael_Yon) June 15, 2024
House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green (R-TN) stated, “No rational person could look at the years since and conclude anything except that she was utterly unqualified and has completely failed.”
The resolution underscores the widespread frustration with Harris' performance, particularly among those who believe she has not effectively addressed the increasing migration to the southern border.
Media Efforts to Rewrite Harris' Role
Parallel with the House's actions, various media outlets have come under scrutiny for allegedly trying to downplay or rewrite Kamala Harris's role as the border czar. Reports have surfaced accusing platforms like GovTrack of removing historical records that highlighted Harris' liberal voting record and her responsibilities regarding the border crisis.
Critics argue that these actions amount to censorship and a strategic attempt to protect Harris' public image as she steps into the role of the Democratic Party's Presidential nominee.
GovTrack, known for its detailed documentation of congressional voting habits, removed a 2019 report that labeled Harris the “most liberal” senator. This move has sparked debates about transparency and historical accuracy, with detractors claiming that the removal is an effort to manipulate public perception.
Record Numbers and Public Criticism
Since taking on the border czar role, Harris has faced mounting criticism for overseeing record numbers of illegal immigration. Under her watch, the U.S. has experienced consecutive years of increasing illegal crossings, with estimates suggesting the number could reach 10 million by the end of September 2024. This situation has led to significant public and political backlash, further complicating Harris' position.
President Biden's initial announcement in March 2021 designated Harris as the leader in managing migration flows, citing her qualifications for the role. However, her limited visits to the border and perceived inaction have fueled criticism. For instance, Harris only visited the border once, in El Paso, Texas, in June 2021, after significant media pressure and public questioning of her commitment to the issue.
Media's Shifting Narratives
As Harris transitions to the role of Democratic Presidential nominee, media outlets have been accused of altering their narratives to defend her record. Axios, for instance, faced backlash for updating a 2021 article that had referred to Harris as the “border czar,” later labeling the term as a Republican talking point. This revision has led to accusations of media bias and efforts to shield Harris from criticism.
Other major outlets, including CNN and Time Magazine, have also emphasized that Harris' responsibilities were primarily focused on addressing the root causes of migration rather than direct border management. This semantic distinction has been used to argue that calling Harris the “border czar” is misleading despite earlier reports that suggested a more direct role in border oversight.
Public Sentiment and Political Ramifications
The ongoing debate over Harris' performance and the media's portrayal of her role will likely influence voter sentiment ahead of the upcoming election. Immigration remains a top concern for many voters, with polls indicating strong support for stricter immigration controls and mass deportations of recent arrivals. Harris' progressive stance on immigration and her handling of the border crisis are expected to be significant issues in the political discourse.
In conclusion, the combined actions of the House resolution and media narratives have placed Kamala Harris' record under intense scrutiny. As she prepares for her presidential campaign, the effectiveness of her tenure as border czar and the media's portrayal of her role will continue to be pivotal topics in the national conversation.
Carl Riedel is an experienced writer and Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) specialist, known for insightful articles that illuminate underreported issues. Passionate about free speech, he expertly transforms public data into compelling narratives, influencing public discourse.