Senator Deb Fischer’s husband refuses to shake Kamala Harris’s hand and sparks backlash (WATCH)
Bruce Fischer Faces Backlash for Snubbing Vice President Kamala Harris During Swearing-In Ceremony
A video of Nebraska Senator Deb Fischer’s husband, Bruce Fischer, refusing to shake Vice President Kamala Harris's hand during a swearing-in ceremony has sparked widespread criticism on social media. The incident occurred on Friday, January 3, as Harris officiated the oath-taking for the 119th Congress, swearing in both Democratic and Republican senators.
As part of her role, Harris, the first female, Black, and South Asian vice president of the United States, swore in Senator Fischer for her third term. During the ceremony, Bruce Fischer held the Bible for his wife. After shaking the senator’s hand, Harris extended her hand toward Mr. Fischer, congratulating him. However, he avoided her hand, looked down, and simply nodded, responding with a curt “Thank you.” His refusal to make eye contact or acknowledge Harris further added to the tension.
Harris, momentarily taken aback, responded graciously, smiling and saying, “You sure?” before moving on. The moment, captured on video, quickly went viral, drawing significant backlash online.
Public Reactions and Criticism
The interaction has been criticized for its perceived racial and gender undertones. Many on social media have highlighted the disrespect shown to the vice president, linking the snub to ongoing political and cultural divides.
Political commentator Reecie Colbert took to X, writing, “I’m tryna figure out why these MAGA … are still so mad? They won all the top prizes but they are still stank and rotten. There’s no clearer example than Republican Bruce Fischer disrespecting VP Kamala Harris during his wife’s swearing-in. She was gracious in that moment.”
Similarly, Qondi Ntini, creator of Thirst for Democracy, commented, “We will stop talking about race when people stop doing things like this.”
Senator Fischer’s Response
In a statement celebrating her swearing-in, Senator Fischer focused on her commitment to Nebraska, avoiding mention of the incident. “I’m humbled by the faith and trust Nebraskans have placed in me as I take this oath for the third time. I will not break that trust, and I will not betray that faith,” she said. “Together we will continue to stand tall for our shared values and take care of our people. We will protect this nation. We will build a stronger Nebraska. And we will secure that brighter future for our children and grandchildren.”
Vice President Harris’s Role Amid Controversy
The incident comes just days before Harris returned to Capitol Hill to oversee the certification of the 2024 presidential election, which she lost to President-elect Donald Trump. Despite the contentious political climate, Harris’s participation in the certification process was praised by Democrats, who lauded her continued commitment to upholding democratic principles.
In a video addressing the certification, Harris emphasized the importance of protecting democracy. “As we have seen, our democracy can be fragile, and it is up to each one of us to stand up for our most cherished principles,” she said. “And to make sure that in America, our government always remains of the people, by the people, and for the people.”
While Harris’s dignified response has been widely praised, the snub from Bruce Fischer has reignited discussions about respect, representation, and civility in American politics.
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