SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) 鈥� Democratic National Committee Chairman delivered a steadfast defense of his party鈥檚 commitment to racial equity Thursday, drawing on his own identity as a Black man to push back forcefully against critics who say Democrats need to abandon 鈥渋dentity politics.鈥�
People of color need to see Democrats fighting for them, and that 鈥渃annot be the excuse for why we win or lose," said in a passionate speech to state Democratic chairs meeting in Arizona.
"When I wake up in the morning, when I look in the mirror, when I step out the door, I can鈥檛 rub this off," he said, waving his hand in front of his face. 鈥淭his is who I am. This is how the world perceives me.鈥�
鈥淭hat is my identity,鈥� he continued. 鈥淎nd it is not politics. It is my life. And the people that I need in the party, that I need to stand up for me, have to recognize that. You cannot run away from that."
Harrison's will end early next year. He twice suggested he has more grievances he's itching to get off his chest, saying 鈥渢he muzzle comes off鈥� the day after his replacement is elected on Feb. 1. He has no plans to endorse a replacement.
鈥淭hat鈥檚 it for you all,鈥� Harrison said later as he wrapped up his speech. 鈥淏ecause I鈥檓 saving the rest for my book. And I am naming names.鈥�
Democrats are having a fierce debate over the reasons Vice President Kamala Harris lost decisively to President-elect Donald Trump and the path forward for a party that will be locked out of the White House and Congressional majorities. Some have argued the party has become too politically correct and overly focused on appealing to voters based on their identity.
Harris would have been the first woman, the first Black woman and the first person of southeast Asian descent to be elected U.S. president. But she did not emphasize her in her presidential campaign.
Trump, however, about Harris' race even as many of his allies pleaded for him to avoid stoking racial animus.
Jonathan J. Cooper, The Associated Press
