In a divisive move that has drawn backlash, Tennessee Republican Rep. Tim Burchett recently made racially charged comments about Vice President Kamala Harris. Burchett suggested that President Joe Biden selected Harris as his running mate solely because she is Black, dismissing her qualifications and labeling her as a "DEI hire" - a reference to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Burchett's remarks, made during an interview with CNN's Manu Raju, have ignited concerns among political analysts, who see similarities to previous strategies used by Republicans during the 2008 election regarding Barack Obama's birthplace. This racially driven approach could potentially shape the upcoming contest leading to Election Day.

Democratic strategist Keith Boykin points out that Burchett's comments highlight a deep-rooted debate about meritocracy versus mediocrity throughout American history. Boykin compares this moment to the notorious Republican "Southern Strategy" of the 1960s, where politicians relied on racial grievances to appeal to White voters.

However, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson attempted to distance the party from Burchett's statements during a news conference, emphasizing that the election should focus on policies rather than personal attacks. Johnson emphasized that Harris's ethnicity and gender played no role in her selection and that the priority should be finding a leader who can address the challenges and improve the lives of the American people.

Critics of Burchett's remarks were quick to highlight the offensive and racially motivated undertones, as they perpetuate familiar racist tropes about women of color, particularly Black women, in professional settings. Before becoming vice president, Harris had a long and successful career as a prosecutor, serving as San Francisco's district attorney, California's attorney general, and California's first Black and South Asian senator. Nevertheless, some choose to focus on identity politics instead of Harris's extensive experience.

These attacks on Harris's race or gender could potentially backfire on Republicans. Glynda Carr, president of Higher Heights for America, a political organization dedicated to engaging Black women in politics, believes that Burchett's remarks are actually energizing the very voters that Harris needs to win. Black Americans across the country have shown their support for Harris, with tens of thousands joining Zoom rallies and collectively raising more than $2.8 million for her campaign.

Despite the controversy surrounding the remarks, Harris remained unfazed during her first presidential campaign rally in Milwaukee. She confidently reintroduced herself to the nation as the presumptive 2024 presidential nominee for the Democratic Party. Harris emphasized her experience as a prosecutor and politician, highlighting her dedication to combating various forms of abuse and fraud.

Ultimately, Boykin argues that Harris's record speaks for itself, dismissing the notion that she is a diversity hire. He stresses that attacking Harris on these grounds is a distraction from the critical issues that need to be addressed, such as job creation, inflation, and societal unity.

As the presidential campaign gains momentum, it remains to be seen how Republicans will navigate this delicate terrain, balancing their desire to win with the potential consequences of racially charged rhetoric.