Carla Swisher Recalls Encounter with Kamala Harris
On a podcast, journalist Carla Swisher shared her experience of being admonished by Vice President Kamala Harris. This incident occurred during a public event when Swisher posed a question related to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. In a previous moment, Kennedy had chuckled backstage when a similar topic came up.
Swisher remarked, “I was joking with Kamala backstage about RFK Jr., circumcision, and autism—specifically the connection he was implying, which, honestly, doesn’t really exist. It felt odd to me. Then, when I brought it up on stage because it had been in the news, she just stared at me and said, ‘This is not funny.'” This was part of her discussion with The New Yorker’s Isaac Chotiner.
During a book tour in Washington D.C. last October, Swisher’s first inquiry was about Harris’s reaction to RFK Jr.’s claims. Initially, Harris laughed but quickly shifted tones, reprimanding Swisher for her question. Swisher recalled feeling quite taken aback, saying, “I was really surprised. I mean, how could she react that way?”
Chotiner added that he sometimes senses Harris doesn’t quite realize her political career might be waning. In response to Swisher, Harris elaborated on her family’s history, noting how her mother worked at the National Institutes of Health. “My mom was an advisor there, and she was set to leave us behind in the Bay Area for this important work. The goal was to help improve lives and combat diseases. It’s a personal matter for me,” Harris explained, emphasizing the seriousness she felt about the issues raised.
Harris stated, “I can’t find humor in this, I’m sorry. Not anymore.” She expressed concerns about the ramifications of decisions made during the previous administration, highlighting the gravity of such topics.
While Swisher’s encounter turned into a notable moment, it reflects a complex interaction, illustrating that even in lighthearted contexts, discussions about health and family can quickly take on heavier meanings.
During the event, as Swisher tried to transition to another question, Harris responded with a subtle shake of her head, indicating lingering thoughts on the previous discussion. Harris’s visit to the country also aimed to promote her book about her brief presidential campaign.
