Kamala Harris recently found herself at the center of controversy after a seemingly offhand comment about bacon during an interview went sour, reportedly offending the host of a popular web series and leading to the segment being shelved before it could air. The interview, intended as an outreach effort to connect with a diverse audience, took an unexpected turn that has left many questioning Harris’s political acumen and cultural awareness.
The host, Kareem Rahma, is known for addressing topics of importance to the Muslim community on his show Subway Takes. When the Democratic presidential nominee sat down with him earlier this year, Rahma anticipated that they would discuss issues relevant to Muslim voters, particularly the Israel-Hamas conflict, which has been a point of contention and concern within the Muslim community.
Rahma himself is known for a critical view on the conflict, one he hoped Harris might be open to discussing in contrast to former President Trump’s stances. Instead, the conversation unexpectedly drifted toward Harris’s personal food preferences, ultimately leading to a gaffe that has since been widely criticized.
At one point in the interview, Harris made an unusual remark about bacon, referring to it as a “spice” and emphasizing its flavor-enhancing qualities. “Think about it; it’s pure flavor,” she stated. The comment was intended, perhaps, to spark a lighthearted moment, but it came across as culturally insensitive, as Muslims typically refrain from consuming pork products, including bacon, for religious reasons.
Rahma’s reaction was reportedly one of surprise and discomfort. A recording of the interview reveals that he politely tried to steer the conversation away from pork-based foods, even suggesting an alternative topic. Harris, however, doubled down, following up with an attempt to bond over anchovies on pizza, a preference she claimed to share, though some reports suggest this anecdote may have been suggested by her staffers.
As the discussion reached an awkward impasse, Rahma decided to conclude the interview earlier than planned. Sources close to the production stated that the episode was ultimately deemed inappropriate for airing due to the tone of Harris’s remarks and the lack of relevance to the topics the host had intended to cover.
Rahma, a visible voice in the Muslim community, had…
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