Tennessee Rep. Harshbarger Faces Backlash for Racial Slur Against Congressman Green

Tennessee Republican Rep. Diana Harshbarger is facing widespread backlash after referring to Texas Democrat Al Green, a 77-year-old Black congressman, as 'boy' during a podcast interview, a term widely recognized as racially charged, especially when directed at Black men. Harshbarger recalled Green's protest during a Trump address, questioning the authenticity of his use of a cane and speculating, based on a colleague’s comment, that it might conceal a weapon. The remarks quickly drew criticism on social media and from political figures, with many noting the term’s racist historical context and calling for accountability, including demands for a censure vote. Some commenters defended Harshbarger, suggesting the remark was a joke, but the majority viewed it as offensive and emblematic of a broader pattern of racially insensitive language in politics. Neither Harshbarger nor Green has publicly commented on the controversy. The incident has sparked renewed discussion about the persistence of racially coded language in American political discourse.