Vice President Kamala Harris is facing criticism after a recent grocery store outing with her husband Doug Emhoff. The couple, who were shopping at 99 Ranch Market in Westwood, California, sparked backlash when it was revealed that Harris was seen using plastic bags, a detail that quickly drew the ire of many fans, given her previous environmental stance.
Harris, who had previously advocated for banning plastic straws during her 2019 presidential campaign, was seen shopping with her husband, Doug Emhoff, on Thursday. While their outing was seemingly mundane, it didn’t take long for social media users to focus on one detail: the plastic bags they were carrying. “I thought Kamala Harris was all about saving the environment. Using plastic bags? Really?” one user remarked on social media, adding to a growing wave of criticism. Another user echoed this sentiment, commenting, "So much for the environment. PATHETIC."
Also Read
Harris’s past stance on plastic, environment
Back in 2019, during a CNN climate change town hall, Harris expressed her support for banning plastic straws. When asked if she backed such a ban, she firmly responded 'yes,' although she did acknowledge the difficulty of drinking from paper straws.
However, by 2024, Harris seemed to have backpedaled on her earlier stance, dropping the call for a plastic ban entirely. This shift has caused some to question the Vice President’s consistency, especially in light of her visible use of plastic bags.
Public reaction
Not all reactions were negative, though. Some fans defended Harris, claiming that the bags she used were reusable and environmentally friendly, urging others not to judge too quickly. But for many, the sight of a public figure like Harris, a long-time advocate for environmental policies, using plastic bags was hard to reconcile with her political image. "Kamala Harris shopping with plastic bags? Really? Practice what you preach!" one frustrated commenter shared.
The controversy surrounding Harris’s grocery run comes at a time of heightened media attention on her personal life. Reports have surfaced suggesting that Harris and Emhoff’s marriage may be facing challenges, with some speculating that the return of former President Donald Trump to the White House could be a factor in their relationship struggles.
Published: 26 Jan 2025, 12:32 pm IST
Related Topics
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Disclaimer: Kindly avoid objectionable, derogatory, unlawful and lewd comments, while responding to reports. Such comments are punishable under cyber laws. Please keep away from personal attacks. The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of readers and not that of Mathrubhumi.