Kamala Harris suggests criticizing her distinctive cackle is sexist
Former Vice President Kamala Harris pushed back against criticism of her distinctive laugh, suggesting it reflects outdated and sexist expectations of how women should behave, during a recent podcast appearance that also touched on relationships and dating.
Speaking on the “Rich Little Broke Girls” podcast, Harris recalled being asked by a reporter about accusations that she lacked humility. She rejected the premise, arguing that such critiques are rooted in old-fashioned views about women’s demeanor.
“I don’t aspire to be humble. Humility, yes, is very important,” Harris said. She added that expectations for women to be quiet, restrained, or humorless are “very dated” and out of touch. Demonstrating her point, she mimed laughing quietly while covering her mouth before dismissing those standards outright. “I have never felt burdened by those very dated standards,” she said.
During her 107-day run as the Democratic presidential nominee, Harris generally avoided leaning into identity politics or publicly complaining about sexism, despite making history as the first woman to serve as vice president and the second woman to lead a major party’s presidential ticket.
That approach differed from Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign, in which Clinton frequently highlighted gender barriers and famously described her loss as still leaving a “crack in the glass ceiling.”
In the wide-ranging interview, Harris also offered dating advice to young, single women, emphasizing kindness and compatibility over rigid expectations. She encouraged choosing a partner who allows room for laughter and everyday companionship, whether that means running errands together or taking simple walks.
Harris, who married Doug Emhoff in 2014 while in her 40s, reflected on how relationships can look different depending on life stage. She described “Friday night” relationships versus “Sunday morning” relationships, noting that people’s needs and priorities can change over time—and that it’s okay to enjoy different phases.
She also acknowledged that timing played a role in her own marriage. “Doug and I got married in our 40s, and I love my husband so very much. He is my best friend,” she said, adding that if they had met earlier in life, they might not have been in the same place emotionally or professionally.
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