In a move that has sparked widespread backlash on social media, Politico published an article that appeared to overlook an obvious fact: Vice President Kamala Harris is indeed part of the Biden administration.
The article, which covered a rally in Big Rapids, Michigan, claimed that Senator JD Vance (R-OH), former President Donald Trump’s running mate, “tried to tie Harris” to the policies of the Biden administration during his speech at the event.
The headline of the Politico article, shared on X (formerly Twitter), read, “Vance tries to tether Harris to Biden during Michigan rally.” The accompanying piece by reporter Mia McCarthy stated, “Speaking at a rally in Big Rapids, Michigan, former President Donald Trump’s running mate tried to tie Harris to the Biden administration’s policies.”
‘Our corrupt leadership’: Vance tries to tether Harris to Biden during Michigan rally https://t.co/0LWM4gq5C7
— POLITICO (@politico) August 27, 2024
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This assertion quickly drew criticism, with many accusing Politico of “gaslighting”—a term defined by the American Psychological Association (APA) as manipulating someone into doubting their own perception of reality.
Social media users were quick to point out that there was no need to “try” to link Harris to Biden, as she is already his Vice President.
The post was soon flagged with a “Community Notes” correction, clarifying the obvious: “Harris is currently President Biden’s Vice President.” This correction only fueled the outrage, with users on X expressing their disbelief at what they saw as an absurd attempt by Politico to obscure a basic fact.
One user on X reacted, saying, “We’ve reached apex gaslighting, people. It doesn’t get any more ‘believe us and not your own eyes’ than this.”
We’ve reached apex gaslighting, people. It doesn’t get any more “believe us and not your own eyes” than this. https://t.co/c8kvLBjjgW
— Witchy Chick (@1WitchyChick) August 28, 2024
Another user expressed frustration by stating, “This is a level of media gaslighting I’ve never seen before. Holy… SHES HIS GOD DAMN VICE PRESIDENT! RIGHT NOW! SHES IN OFFICE!”
This is a level of media gaslighting I’ve never seen before.
Holy fucking shit.
SHES HIS GOD DAMN VICE PRESIDENT! RIGHT NOW! SHES IN OFFICE! WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK?! https://t.co/jbdA0ArSUf
— Combat Wombat (Not the YouTuber) (@AntiLibWombat) August 27, 2024
Senator Vance himself responded to the Politico post, pointing out the obvious: “The thing is: she’s Biden’s Vice President.” His comment was echoed by many others who criticized the article’s apparent oversight.
The thing is: she’s Biden’s Vice President. https://t.co/1l34XKXKQN
— JD Vance (@JDVance) August 28, 2024
BlazeTV host Lauren Chen also weighed in, commenting, “No shit they’re ‘tethered.’ Harris is Biden’s VP.” Author Michael Malice added, “I knew the corporate press was shameless but I didn’t realize that they were this stupid.”
No shit they’re “tethered,” Harris is Biden’s VP.
— Lauren Chen (@TheLaurenChen) August 27, 2024
Other users took their criticism further, questioning the credibility of Politico as a news organization. “How can you let your publication debase itself like this?” one user asked, tagging Politico’s CEO, Goli Sheikholeslami.
@harrispolitico @GoliSheik what on earth is this?
How can you let you publication debase itself like this? This is clear disinformation and an insult to our country. @Reporter_Mia
— Caesar (@caesar_pounce) August 28, 2024
Another user bluntly stated, “Are you a news organization or a propaganda outlet?”
Tries?
Are you a news organization or a propaganda outlet?
— TimOnPoint (@TimOnPoint) August 27, 2024
Podcaster Mary Katharine Ham ‘spotted the tether.’
I spotted the tether. https://t.co/wv7kOx2GAv pic.twitter.com/uFDMXD8AyK
— Mary Katharine Ham (@mkhammer) August 27, 2024
The tether Mary spotted wasn’t a White House one-off either…
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