Kamala Harris is facing backlash from the left after chastising pro-Palestine activists at a rally in Michigan.
The incident is a reminder of the divisions lingering within the Democratic party, which has mostly united behind Harris and her new presidential campaign.
“Kamala, Kamala, you can’t hide. We won’t vote for genocide," the activists chanted.
At first, Harris told the hecklers, "I am here because we believe in democracy; everyone’s voice matters, but I am speaking now."
Eventually, Harris snapped and said, “You know what, if you want Donald Trump to win, then say that. Otherwise, I’m speaking!”
Harris' reaction was covered positively by many media outlets supporting her campaign, including the New York Times.
But some on the left took offense to Harris' dismissive response. Former Bernie Sanders adviser Nina Turner said Harris was turning away people she needs to win.
"People are in a lot of pain, they want the death and destruction in Gaza to end, death and destruction our government is funding,” Turner wrote. “This response is inappropriate and lacks empathy," Turner said.
Harris' reaction threatens to open a divide over Israel and blunt the "momentum" of her sheltered campaign, which has so far faced virtually no scrutiny.
While most Democrats are swept up in Harris hype, she has yet to commit to a clear policy agenda or sit down for a single unscripted interview.
She has retracted many of her formerly leftist positions to appeal to swing voters, prompting accusations from Republicans that she is a "chameleon" who can't be trusted.
Uncommitted, which organized anti-Biden boycotts during the primary, met with Harris in Michigan on Wednesday and claimed she was open to an arms embargo against Israel. But her campaign clarified Thursday that she is opposed to an embargo.
At the peak of the "uncommitted" campaign, more than 100,000 Democrats voted against Biden in Michigan's primary. Michigan has a large Arab population and is expected to again play a crucial role in the presidential race.
It remains to be seen if Harris - who never received a single primary vote - can simply scold dissent away. But for now, she has mostly unified the Democratic party and the media behind her as she prepares for a coronation in Chicago on August 19.
