Recent allegations have surfaced accusing Vice President Kamala Harris of plagiarism, particularly concerning her 2009 book, Smart on Crime, co-authored with Joan O’C. Hamilton. These accusations echo the controversy that once nearly ended President Joe Biden’s political career. As Harris confronts these claims, it’s instructive to reflect on Biden’s past experiences with similar allegations and the broader implications for political accountability.

Biden’s Plagiarism Scandal: A Career That Should Have Ended

In the late 1980s, then-Senator Joe Biden’s first presidential bid was significantly hindered when it was revealed that he had plagiarized parts of his speeches, notably adopting phrases from British Labour Party leader Neil Kinnock without proper attribution. Additionally, Biden’s history of plagiarism extended back to his law school days, where he was caught using someone else’s work without citation. Such actions raised serious concerns about his integrity and respect for intellectual property.

Despite these revelations, Biden’s political career endured. The media largely overlooked these issues, and the Democratic establishment continued to support him, allowing him to eventually ascend to the presidency. This resilience prompts questions about the standards to which we hold our political leaders and the role of media scrutiny in upholding those standards.

Kamala Harris and New Accusations

Fast forward to 2020, and Biden’s Vice President, Kamala Harris, found herself in a similar situation. In January of that year, accusations surfaced that Harris had lifted an anecdote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in a magazine interview, sharing a story that bore a striking resemblance to one told by the civil rights leader. The story, in which Harris recounted being a young child at a protest demanding freedom, was nearly identical to King’s famous account of a girl telling him she wanted “fee-dom” during a civil rights march.

Fast forward again to the present: Vice President Harris is facing allegations that her book, Smart on Crime, contains passages closely resembling content from other sources, including press reports, academic studies, and even a Wikipedia entry, without proper attribution. These claims were brought to light by conservative activist Christopher Rufo, who, along with Austrian plagiarism expert Stefan Weber, identified multiple instances of alleged plagiarism.

For example, some sections of Harris’s book reportedly mirrored language from an Associated Press article and a Bureau of Justice Assistance report. In certain cases, sources were cited in footnotes, but direct quotations were not used, leading to accusations of inadequate attribution.

Media Response and Double Standards

The media’s response to these allegations has been varied. Some outlets have reported on the accusations in detail, while others have downplayed or ignored them. This disparity highlights a potential double standard in how plagiarism allegations are handled, depending on the political affiliation of the individual involved.

For instance, The New York Times faced accusations of minimizing the allegations against Harris, allegedly to undermine the report by Christopher Rufo. The Times reported that only five sections were problematic, quoting plagiarism expert Jonathan Bailey, who deemed the violations minor. However, Bailey later clarified that his comments were based on partial information, and Rufo argued that a comprehensive analysis identified 18 instances of varying severity. This selective reporting contrasts with how similar allegations might be treated if they involved a conservative figure, suggesting a bias in media coverage.

An Independent Christian Conservative Response

As Christians, we are called to uphold truth and integrity, especially among our leaders. Scripture emphasizes the importance of honesty and the consequences of deceit. Plagiarism, as a form of dishonesty, betrays public trust and reflects a disregard for the intellectual contributions of others.

The allegations against both Biden and Harris raise concerns about their commitment to these values. The media’s inconsistent coverage further complicates the issue, as it may influence public perception and hinder accountability.

It is imperative that we demand consistency in how such allegations are addressed, irrespective of political affiliation. Leaders should be held to the same standards of integrity, and the media should report on these matters without bias. Only then can we foster a political environment that truly values honesty and transparency.

Conclusion

The recent plagiarism accusations against Kamala Harris, in light of Joe Biden’s past controversies, underscore a persistent issue in political discourse. The media’s handling of these allegations reveals potential biases that warrant scrutiny. As advocates for truth and integrity, we must consistently hold our leaders accountable and demand fair treatment in the reporting of such issues.