Philly Democratic chair rips into Harris campaign: 'They were just elitist'
Philadelphia Democratic Chair Bob Brady is blaming Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign for a weak showing by Democrats in the presidential election, saying he felt disrespected by organizers.
The comments, made to multiple outlets, come as Democrats across the country are voicing concern after a decisive presidential defeat on Election Day. Republicans are now poised to take control of the White House and the Senate, in part due to President-elect Donald Trump's crucial win in the swing state of Pennsylvania. Republicans may also take control of the House, pending results in a handful of key races.
Brady, a former Democratic congressman, told local outlet he felt overlooked by the Harris campaign.
"I would have liked to see the Harris campaign, especially the national campaign, coordinate with us a little bit, talk to us a little bit, give use some more resources, show us some respect," he said. "It didn't happen. They were just elitist and went after their own thing."
The chair also told he had no contact with the vice president or her campaign during the months he worked to drum up support among voters.
"I never talked to the lady, and she's the candidate," he said of Harris. "Obama, Biden all came to say hi to the ward leaders, that means something. They never showed up."
"Not that I got an ego but it shows the lack of respect, that we do deserve," he added.
Brady reaffirmed his feelings while speaking with Fox News.
"They have no respect, they had no coordination, nothing," he said. "They didn't even do the right thing in giving us the resources we need and they want to blame us?"
"And now I understand someone in their camp was blaming Joe Biden," Brady added. "Can you imagine blaming Joe Biden for her loss? She lost, he didn't lose."
The Harris campaign did not respond to a request for comment about Brady's claims when reached via email Thursday.
Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., was one of several left-leaning politicians Wednesday who called for Democrats to look in the mirror.
"I'm going to be very blunt," Dingell said on CNN. "As Democrats, we've got to do some soul-searching. We're getting the message from a lot of people that we're not hearing them. I hope we'll take the time to do the soul-searching that we have to do."
, I-Vt., and , D-N.Y., have also released statements critical of the Democratic Party following the presidential loss.
