Many Republicans, under pressure from the president in his efforts to overturn the election, have been unwilling to publicly acknowledge vice president-elect Kamala Harris as the incoming vice president. But, in a recent interview, Harris said, “I have to believe that at some point, reality will set in.”
During a Monday appearance on MSNBC, Harris added that she hopes that “everyone will understand that we need to govern.”
She continued, “The people of our country rely on our government to work and function in a way that Congress works with the executive branch and the White House to solve their problems. And that’s how we’re going to be focused, that’s where we’re going to focus.”
Harris said, “There’ve been many of my Republican colleagues who have congratulated us, to me personally — even when I’ve been on the Senate floor.”
“I think there may be some posturing that’s taking place in public. But in private, I think that there are far more who understand that it is important we have a peaceful transfer of power.”
Watch Harris’ interview below:
Harris’ remark about Republicans congratulating her “on the Senate floor” appears to be a reference to her appearance in the chamber in mid-November. As she entered the floor on November 17, Harris was approached by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) who exchanged a fist-bump and patted her on the back.
Asked about that exchange, Graham later told reporters, “If it works out and they make it, I told her I wish her well and try to work where we can. We will know here in a month or so or less.”
This is not the first time that the incoming vice president has remarked on Republicans and the election.
When Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) recognized the incoming administration, Harris said in an interview, “It would have been better if it were earlier, but it happened, and that’s what’s most important… Let’s move forward. And where we can find common purpose and common ground, let’s do that.”