In a significant shift in the dynamics of the presidential race, President Joe Biden announced his support for Vice President Kamala Harris, leading to a faceoff between Harris and former President Donald Trump. As the first woman of color to potentially hold the highest office, Harris has already faced targeted attacks on her race and gender, indicating that she will face a level of criticism that Biden did not encounter.

This playbook of targeting a woman in a major-party ticket was previously used against Hillary Clinton in 2016, where her qualifications, appearance, and voice were heavily scrutinized. However, this time around, Republicans are also focusing on Harris' background, being the daughter of an Indian mother and Jamaican father.

Various conservative voices have launched attacks on Harris using references to workplace diversity policies. Representative Tim Burchett disparagingly referred to Harris as a "DEI vice president," while Sebastian Gorka from Newsmax insinuated that her nomination was based solely on her gender and race. Fox News host Jesse Watters connected Harris' endorsement by Clinton to her gender. Similarly, Richard Grenell, former U.S. ambassador to Germany, criticized Harris' appointment as part of a "revolving door" driven by diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.

It is crucial to note that before assuming the vice presidency, Harris had an accomplished career, serving as district attorney in California, attorney general, and U.S. senator. In comparison, Trump had no prior government experience before becoming president. Nonetheless, during the 2016 campaign, Trump repeatedly accused Clinton of relying on her gender to gain support, and now, he has shifted his attacks towards Harris, using the "race card" to undermine her credibility.

Karen Finney, a Democratic strategist, acknowledges that while these attacks may be a familiar playbook for Trump, the combination of race and gender could potentially stand out. Finney believes that as the country evolves, people will increasingly recognize the inappropriateness and repulsiveness of such attacks.

In response to the attacks, the Trump campaign press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, labeled Harris as "failed and incompetent" and warned that voting for her would result in more crime, inflation, open borders, high gas prices, and global conflict.

This focus on attacking diversity, equity, and inclusion policies is reminiscent of the criticisms Clinton faced in 2016, questioning her qualifications. Trump's recent interview with the New York Post, where he called Harris "vicious" and "dumb," adds to the pattern of demeaning remarks. Trump's consistent mispronunciation of Harris' name further underscores his dismissive attitude towards her.

It is important to note that such attacks are not limited to women, as Trump has targeted male opponents as well. However, the insults directed at Clinton and other women in positions of power echo the longstanding pattern of questioning their qualifications, strength, and appearance - a point highlighted by Senator Ted Cruz during the 2016 primaries.

Harris has also faced attacks on her racial identity and qualifications from Trump and his running mate, Senator JD Vance of Ohio. Trump revived the baseless "birther" conspiracy theory against Harris, claiming she is not eligible to be president despite being born in the U.S. Vance targeted Democrats without biological children, including Harris, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, insinuating they lack a direct stake in the country.

As the election intensifies, the attacks against Harris serve as a reminder of the persistent barriers and biases faced by women in politics. The increased prominence of diversity, equity, and inclusion policies as targets signifies an effort to undermine progress toward a more inclusive society.