Social media users mocked The Washington Free Beacon, a conservative news outlet, for publishing a "breaking investigative exclusive" attempting to shame Vice President Kamala Harris for buying new cookware.
Harris was until recently on a diplomatic mission in Paris, France where she spent considerable time trying to ease tensions with French President Emmnauel Macron over an Australian submarine deal.
And when Harris wasn't speaking with Macron, showing support for democratic elections in Libya, vowing to work more closely with France to protect civilians against cyberattacks, or honoring victims of the 2015 Paris attack, she was looking for the perfect cookware for Thanksgiving.
On November 13, Harris and her husband, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, visited E. Dehillerin, a legendary culinary emporium near Les Halles. While there, she reportedly purchased a $375 serving dish, a $160 frying pan, and other accessories totaling €516, or about $580.
"I just want to buy a pot," Harris even told reporters at the time while looking around at the hundreds on display.
Ten days later, the Free Beaon published its "exclusive" criticizing the Vice President for her purchase, alleging Harris' purchase is bad form at a time when many Americans are feeling the crunch of inflation:
"The vice-presidential shopping spree came as Americans stateside suffer from the worst inflation in three decades, putting strain on both consumers and small businesses."
"The Biden administration has stressed the need to 'buy American,' calling for a 'whole-of-government' effort to support American manufacturing."
Social media users did not respond kindly to the story and defended the Vice President.
For many, the story was a reach, even for a conservative news outlet.
Shit I'm poor in the grand scheme of things and I have expensive cookware because why wouldn't I? You don't buy that every day and many times it's passed down through the family! https://t.co/BpHrscXXih
— GoodSense (@Since19854) November 25, 2021
Donald Trump spent $130,000 on a pornstar that he thought resembled his daughter for less than five minutes of her professional time.
But yes, let's get mad about the VP buying quality cookware. https://t.co/5aiepMR28F
— HotSpicyDisco (@HotnSpicyDisco) November 24, 2021
I don't understand what the issue is. Price is reasonable, and I have so many pieces of Le Creuset that I've lost count. If you enjoy cooking, you'll buy the best. This is a non-story. https://t.co/JKHZr7STqf
— Gail Griffen (@GailGriffen) November 24, 2021
Notify us when she's golfing at taxpayer expense. https://t.co/ClMLKGgyJB
— Acuff #NeverGQP (@AcuffBrose) November 24, 2021
Did they smoke $375 worth of pot?!?!?
The #MarmaladeMoron screwed America outta millions of dollars each week cheating at golf on his own golf courses and they tantrum because someone bought a pot that will be handed down to her children's children?!?!? https://t.co/qr2p6Tvw19
— Richard L Adlof (@RLAdlof) November 24, 2021
If it were "worth of pot" you may...not sure...possibly have a scandal...this isn't journalism FFS. https://t.co/u29WID88DU
— HEY MO! (@MoLulkowski) November 24, 2021
Shit, I spend about $375 a week on pot… I fail to see the issue https://t.co/pKBNX7tolf
— New Jersey Vibes (@NetsVibes) November 24, 2021
I'm struggling too but I'd short my utility bills for the month if I had a chance to buy something from that store lol. https://t.co/KJXOZ5g8ID
— Lisa Hoadley (@LisaHoadley) November 24, 2021
Kamala Harris bought a $375 pot that is so well made and sturdy, it could well be a family heirloom handed down generations.
It's more expensive up front, but ultimately a wise, quality purchase.
There, fixed it for you.
Christ, My ball pubes are more useful than you people https://t.co/7Y0dsCvmB9
— P, G, & RC (@Ashlandian) November 24, 2021
I have expensive makeup in my bag, when are you doing a story about me? https://t.co/AdvnouM7s3
— 🐞rachel garniss🐞 (@rachel_garniss) November 24, 2021
Harris's love for cooking is well known. She once made a video with actress and comedian Mindy Kaling in which they bonded while making masala dosa.
In 2020, Glamor published a comprehensive article in which Harris spoke about how she fell in love with cooking as a child, taking inspiration from her mother, who would often wake up early during the weekends to meal prep dinners for the week.
Harris recalled that one of her first "little specialties" was scrambled eggs, which she perfected by the time she was in third grade.
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