Senator Deb Fischer’s husband refuses to shake Kamala Harris’s hand and sparks backlash
Bruce Fischer did not engage in eye contact or any physical interaction with America’s first female, first Black, and first South Asian vice president.
A recently circulated video featuring Bruce Fischer, the husband of Nebraska Republican Senator Deb Fischer, refusing to shake Vice President Kamala Harris's hand has gained significant attention on social media.
On January 3, Harris fulfilled her role as vice president by swearing in the new class of U.S. senators for the 119th Congress, which includes members from both parties. Following Senator Fischer's swearing-in for her third term, her husband, Bruce Fischer, who held the Bible during the ceremony, intentionally chose not to shake the vice president's hand as she extended hers.
“Congratulations to you,” the vice president remarked while reaching out to Bruce Fischer after greeting his wife. In response, Bruce Fischer averted his gaze, merely nodding and saying, “Thank you,” while avoiding any eye contact with the vice president. Harris, seemingly surprised by the rejection, responded with a smile and asked, “You sure?”
In a statement, Senator Fischer expressed her gratitude for being sworn in. “I am humbled by the faith and trust that Nebraskans have placed in me as I take this oath for the third time. I will uphold that trust and will not betray that faith,” Fischer stated. “Together, we will continue to advocate for our shared values and care for our constituents. We will protect this nation, strengthen Nebraska, and ensure a brighter future for our children and grandchildren.”
The interaction between Bruce Fischer and Vice President Harris has drawn criticism from many, particularly regarding the racial and gender dynamics involved in the exchange.
Political analyst Reecie Colbert expressed her confusion on X, stating, “I am trying to understand why these MAGA supporters remain so upset. They have secured all the major victories, yet they continue to exhibit negativity and decay.” She further remarked, “A prime example is Republican Bruce Fischer's disrespect towards Vice President Kamala Harris during his wife's swearing-in ceremony. She handled the situation with grace.”
Influencer and founder of Thirst for Democracy, Qondi Ntini, commented, “We will cease discussions about race when individuals stop engaging in such behavior.”
In addition to the controversy surrounding Friday’s swearing-in event, Vice President Harris returned to Capitol Hill on Monday to oversee the official certification of the 2024 presidential election, which she notably lost to President-elect Donald Trump. The lingering tensions from the divisive election were highlighted by Bruce Fischer’s dismissal of Harris, yet her involvement on Monday received commendation from Democratic members.
In a video announcing her role in the election certification, Harris stated, “As we have witnessed, our democracy can be delicate, and it is incumbent upon each of us to uphold our most valued principles.” She continued, “It is essential to ensure that in America, our government remains of the people, by the people, and for the people.”
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