A video capturing Bruce Fischer, the spouse of Republican Senator Deb Fischer from Nebraska, refusing to shake hands with Vice President Kamala Harris at a swearing-in ceremony has sparked widespread criticism. The incident, which occurred last Friday at the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C., has been described as “classless” and a symbol of the current cultural divisions within the United States.
During the event, as Senator Fischer was sworn in for her third term, her husband seemed to intentionally ignore Harris’ extended hand, opting instead for a brief nod and a quick “thank you.” Following the awkward moment, Vice President Harris light-heartedly remarked, “It’s OK, I won’t bite… don’t worry,” in response to Mr. Fischer’s hesitance to engage.
The incident was quickly condemned by many, including liberals and some members of the Republican party, especially as it precedes the transition of power from President Joe Biden to the incoming Republican administration of Donald Trump and his Vice President J.D. Vance.
Filmmaker Princella D. Smith expressed her disappointment on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), criticizing the decline of civility in American culture and pinpointing Bruce Fischer’s actions as a prime example. “We have put civility on the shelf,” Smith lamented.
The group Republicans Against Trump also voiced their disapproval on X, labeling Fischer’s behavior as “truly classless.”
Don Lemon, the former prominent CNN anchor, didn’t mince words in a TikTok video where he branded Fischer a “racist piece of shit.”
Liberal social media influencer Xander Xjork Anderson also chimed in, calling Fischer a “classless asshole” and praising Vice President Harris for possessing “more dignity and class than every MAGA Republican asshole combined.”
Anderson further commented on the broader implications of the incident, stating, “America really screwed up. Enjoy Trump making America a laughingstock again.”
