Thread by @IDreamOnDemand

In the last couple of days, I’ve seen several tweets referencing rumors about Kamala Harris’s sex life prior to her marriage. The implication of this smear campaign is plain: that a distinguished, intelligent, highly educated woman could only have gotten where she is via sex. 1/

At the risk of reinforcing gossip, I want to call out ANYONE on the left who feels the need to comment on Kamala’s - or any female candidate’s - private life. We are facing a critical election, and there’s plenty to talk about besides who someone might have f*cked. /2

Before, after, and while you post/share/repeat rumors, ask yourself: What’s my motivation for sharing this? Is this “story” important for understanding a candidate’s positions or qualifications? Will talking about this improve our politics or help people in need? /3

Even more importantly, ask yourself: What role does misogynoir play in my acceptance of rumors about her? Is my interest in this “story” rooted in a belief that a woman of color can’t succeed on her own? Would I be more skeptical of the same story if it were about a white man? /4

It’s one thing to talk about things a candidate has done, said, written, supported, etc. Those are windows into who the person is and how they’ll govern. But discussing someone’s family, sex life, or other private matters rarely tells us much about their politics. /5

And look, I’ve done it. I’ve shared gossip and mean anecdotes about candidates I disliked. So I’m challenging myself, too.

I want to have better conversations about politics. I want to focus on meaningful action, not personalities. /6

But I think it’s *especially important* in the era of Trump to make sure that we’re not bolstering bigotry in the way we discuss BIPOC and women candidates. Let’s not allow racist, sexist, ableist, trans-/homophobic, or any other stereotypes to write any candidate’s narrative. /7

If you see that stuff, push back. Especially if you’re white/male/cis/het/abled. If you have any kind of privilege, now’s the time to spend it. Keep reminding people to keep their beefs about issues.

This is how we defeat Trumpism, and it’s also how we beat Trump. ✌️