Republican Senator’s Husband Sparks Controversy After Refusing Kamala Harris’s Handshake
During Sen. Deb Fischer's swearing-in, her husband, Bruce Fischer refused to shake Vice President Kamala Harris’s hand, a gesture meant to signify respect, and subsequently has become the focus of a now-viral moment.
The exchange, which took place as Harris administered the oath for Fischer’s third Senate term, began cordially. The Nebraska senator smiled through the formalities while her husband gripped a Bible with one hand and his cane with the other.
However, as Harris extended a warm gesture toward Mr. Fischer, the mood seemingly changed.
“It’s OK, I won’t bite. I’m not going to bite. Don’t worry,” Harris said with a smile after Fischer seemed hesitant to step closer. Still, he avoided eye contact and focused on the Bible in his hands.
After the oath, Sen. Fischer shook Harris’ hand. Yet, when Harris turned to congratulate Mr. Fischer, a professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, he gave a brief “thank you” before stuffing his left hand into his pocket — a move that visibly surprised Harris, who raised her eyebrows at the snub.
Social media quickly lit up with reactions to the awkward interaction, with many calling it a show of disrespect toward the vice president. One X user who wrote, “He has no regard for his wife and this special moment in her life” before adding, “He’s a narcissistic jacka—.”
Another critic commented, ”Not shaking the hand of the Vice President is not a flex, it’s just embarrassing. Shame on Deb Fischer’s husband for refusing to do so. Kamala Harris was a class act as always.”
Check out the interaction below.
