KAMALA Harris is turning heads on the first night of the Democratic National Convention — and not for her policy plans.
The historic presidential nominee sported a tan suit with a white top, sparking comparisons to former President Barack Obama.
Like other presidents, Obama wore taupe-colored suits on occasion.
But he drew ire in 2014 when, during a press conference about the possibility of escalating the US response to ISIS in Syria, he sported a tan suit.
Spectators have since questioned whether the light-colored attire is appropriate for business settings — or best left for the beachside.
Harris’s Monday night outfit and its links to her mentor did not go unnoticed on social media.
“Rockin’ the tan suit like ya do,” one person commented.
“Oh no! The horror! Another *tan* *suit* scandal!!” another said.
“OMG she’s wearing a tan suit. That’s deep-cut trolling. Respect,” one person posted.
“One of the greatest scandals in American political history,” one user jokingly wrote.
TAN SUIT CONTROVERSY
On August 28, 2014, Obama shocked many by breaking from his tradition of navy and black suits.
During that day’s press conference, the president wore a tan suit with a white shirt and striped tie.
Fox’s Lou Dobbs called the look completely “un-presidential” and implied that Obama was trying to send a subtle message to enemies through his odd color choice, according to CNN.
The backlash was so strong that the topic was even discussed at official White House press briefings.
“The President stands squarely behind the decision he made yesterday to wear his summer suit at yesterday’s news conference,” then-press secretary Josh Earnest told reporters in 2014.
Obama’s fashion statement was covered widely by the media.
Democratic National Committee Day One
Here's what to expect from Monday's DNC events:
The main program for day one begins at 5:30 pm at the Chicago United Centerand is expected to run until 10 pm.
- President Joe Biden will speak on the first night of the conference but the exact time of his speech is not yet known.
- Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is also expected to speak Monday.
9 – 10 am– Annenberg Roundtable: Fake Videos and Election Cybersecurity in the Age of AI.
- This event will be held at the Hilton Chicago.
- The discussion will focus on how to keep elections safe in an age of AI and disinformation.
10:30 am – 12 pm– Illinois OG’s for Kamala
- The original Illinois 2020 Delegates for Harris are hosting a champagne brunch.
8 pm– MWxSW (Midwest v Southwest): A Party for the Tipping Point States
- Wisconsin and Arizona will be the nation’s top battleground states for control of the presidency and US Senate.
- They are hosting a joint party to unify Democrats.
- Comedian Roy Wood Jr is hosting a concert, featuring artists from Wisconsin and Arizona like Jimmy Eat World
9:30 pm– Equality PAC Late Night Party
- Party featuring performances from drag queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race
10:30 pm– Southern Soul Party at PRYSM nightclub
- There will be a DJ set from Lil Jon.
- The event is being hosted by the Democratic Party of Georgia.
Some, like Dobbs, said it was “shocking to a lot of people,” while others questioned whether it was appropriate given the meeting’s serious subject matter.
While the controversy died down within a few days, it did make a few brief returns.
President Joe Biden notably wore a tan suit for a press conference during the week of Obama’s 60th birthday in August 2021 – around the seventh anniversary of the 2014 fashion statement.
Obama also joked about his sartorial choices on September 7, 2022, during an event where his official portraits were unveiled at the White House.
“You’ll note that he refused to hide any of my gray hairs, refused my request to make my ears smaller. ” Obama said, discussing the artist, Robert McCurdy’s, work.
“He also talked me out of wearing a tan suit, by the way,” Obama added, inciting laughter from the crowd.
YES WE TAN
This isn’t the first time Harris chose to rock a tan suit.
She wore a similar tan suit on the campaign trail earlier this summer.
On July 25, Harris addressed the attendees of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Grand Boule in Indianapolis.
She wore a tan power suit and a complementary silk blouse, accessorizing her look with a neutral, pointed-toe heel.
Harris also opted for a simple gold chain and her signature pearl earrings.
The pearls represent the 20 founders of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, which Harris pledged while she was an undergrad at Howard University.
Harris has yet to comment on whether her recent choices to don a series of tan suits are intentional, or merely coincidental.
