(WASHINGTON) – Vice President Kamala Harris used profanity Monday while offering advice to young Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders on how to break down barriers.
Harris was participating in a conversation moderated by actor and comedian Jimmy O. Yang when asked what it means to be the first vice president of Asian descent and how that heritage has influenced her views and roles as a leader. Harris’ mother was from India and her father from Jamaica, and she is the first woman elected vice president.
Harris gave a long answer in which she told young people to keep their chins up when they enter spaces where no one else looks like them.
She added: “We have to know that sometimes people open the door for you and leave it open. Sometimes they won’t. And then you need to kick in that damn door.”
The audience applauded and screamed. Laughing, Harris said, “Excuse my language.”
Swearing in politics is not entirely uncommon. Last weekend, presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump led a crowd at a rally chanting “bulls—-” in reference to his criminal trial In New York City. When Joe Biden was vice president, he was heard telling President Barack Obama that newly passed healthcare legislation was a “big deal.” Harris generally avoids this type of language in her public appearances.
The vice president made her comments in conversation at the annual event Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies Legislative Leadership Summit. The conversation was broadcast live on the White House website.
Harris was also scheduled to speak Monday night, along with President Biden, at a White House Rose Garden reception celebrating May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
This story originally appeared on Time.com read the full story
