'It would be "racist" if this was a Republican': Kamala Harris is condemned for wiping her hand on her trousers after shaking it with South Korean president
Kamala Harris was condemned for wiping her hand on her trousers immediately after a handshake with South Korean President Moon Jae-in.
The Vice President met with Moon Jae-in on Friday as part of Joe Biden's second in-person session with a foreign leader since coming to office, because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Footage that has since gone viral on Twitter shows Democrat Harris appearing to immediately wipe down her hand after the pair ended their joint press conference.
One user wrote: 'This is the USA VP? Not only disrespectful, but it would be 'racist' if this was a Republican, all over the news for sure….Double standards on full display.'
Another called the move an insult, writing: 'Kamala Harris insults the South Korean President Moon Jae-in by wiping her hand off after shaking his hand.'
@F_O_R_D_NATION added: 'Wow! That's so embarrassing!' @JoeV75613226 added: 'Is South Korea are not our ally anymore.'
The footage was even discussed on Sky News Australia where host Rowan Dean noted: 'Had it been Donald Trump can you imagine the outrage that would have occurred. It would have been the end of the world.'
Kamala Harris wiped her hand on her trousers after meeting the South Korean president in a move that has been criticized online
The Vice President met with Moon Jae-in on Friday as part of Joe Biden's only second in-person session with a foreign leader because of the coronavirus pandemic
Footage that has since gone viral on Twitter shows Democrat Harris appearing to immediately wipe down her hand after the pair ended their joint press conference
But others noted the event came in the middle of a pandemic and was one of the first events to be held at the White House since Joe Biden to office without masks since the onset of the pandemic.
Harris is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and was given her second dose of Moderna's shot in January.
The administration is now adhering to the new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advice that allows vaccinated people to gather mask-less indoors.
One Twitter user commented: 'We are living in covid. I immediately wash my hands after touching someone else's.'
One user wrote: 'This is the USA VP? Not only disrespectful, but it would be 'racist' if this was a Republican...double standards on full display' Another called the move an insult; others called it 'so embarrassing' It was even discussed on Sky News Australia where host Rowan Dean noted: 'Had it been Donald Trump can you imagine the outrage that would have occurred?'
But others noted the event came in the middle of a pandemic, with one user commenting: 'I immediately wash my hands after touching someone else's'
Following the meeting Harris tweeted: 'Today, I met with Republic of Korea President Moon. We discussed North Korea, global health, and how we can address the root causes of migration from the Northern Triangle.
'We look forward to working with President Moon to address the challenges we face.'
Moon came to Washington seeking renewed diplomatic urgency by the U.S. on curbing North Korea's nuclear program, even as the White House signaled that it is taking a longer view on the issue.
He also discussed coordination on vaccine distribution, climate change and regional security concerns spurred by China with Biden.
Moon started his day at the White House complex by meeting with Vice President Kamala Harris and top Biden advisers.
He also participated in a Medal of Honor ceremony for Ralph Puckett, a 94-year-old Army veteran who was celebrated for his gallantry during the Korean War more than 70 years ago.
Moon came to Washington seeking renewed diplomatic urgency by the U.S. on curbing North Korea's nuclear program, even as the White House signaled that it is taking a longer view on the issue. He also discussed coordination on vaccine distribution, climate change and regional security concerns spurred by China with Biden
No comments