CNN Panel Sparks Controversy Over Mispronunciation of Kamala Harris' Name
- CNN panel confronts Rep. Nancy Mace for mispronouncing Kamala Harris' name.
- Rage and shouting match ensue as Mace defends her right to pronounce the name as she wants.
- Debate over pronunciation devolves into accusations of racism.
A CNN panel discussion erupted into chaos on Thursday as Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., repeatedly mispronounced Vice President Kamala Harris' name, despite attempts from fellow panelists to correct her. Democratic strategist Keith Boykin and Vanderbilt University professor Michael Eric Dyson expressed their discontent, with Boykin stating, “You had it right,” while Dyson emphasized the disrespect inherent in Mace's insistence on mispronouncing Harris' name. Mace, however, remained defiant, asserting, “I will say Kamala’s name any way that I want to.” The tension escalated as Dyson accused Mace of normalizing disrespect towards Harris, linking her actions to a broader historical context of racial disregard. “You’re disrespecting the woman,” Dyson asserted, prompting Mace to dismiss the accusation of racism as “B.S.” The panel struggled to regain focus as the discussion shifted back to Harris' policies, but the mispronunciation issue resurfaced, leading to further heated exchanges. As the debate continued, Mace failed to provide a clear stance on Donald Trump’s controversial remarks regarding Harris’ race, stating she hadn’t heard his comments. The moderator pressed her on the implications of Trump’s statements, but Mace refrained from condemning them. The panel's discord highlighted the ongoing tensions surrounding race and representation in American politics, with Mace's actions drawing criticism from her colleagues and sparking broader discussions about respect and accountability in political discourse.