Jen Psaki, the problem with identity politics, and the two things all leaders must do

Should we critique VP Kamala Harris’ leadership the way we would critique other leaders? Jen Psaki doesn’t think so.

In a podcast on November 17, Psaki, the White House Press Secretary, defended her recently tweeted position that Harris is a great leader by claiming that Harris’ critics are largely racists and misogynists.

“I do think that it has been easier and harsher from some in the right wing who have gone after her because she is the first woman, the first woman of color,” to be the VP, Psaki offered.

She continued that Harris was forging new territory, and so was being unfairly criticized. Harris, Psaki said, bears a heavy burden being the “first African American, woman of color, Indian American woman to serve in this job.”

“It’s a lot to have on your shoulders,” Psaki said. “She is somebody who, at a much higher level than the rest of us, but who wants to be seen as the talented, experienced, you know, expert, substantive policy person, partner to the president, that she is. But I do think there have been some attacks that are beyond because of her identity.”

And there it is. The card in the deck that trumps all other cards. The one that provides no room for response. The one designed to muzzle discussion and shame the critic.

What is it? It’s identity politics.

What’s wrong with identity politics?

I have no doubt that there are some who do, indeed, criticize Harris for no other reason than she is a woman, or because of her race. Certainly, these two parts of her identity fuel attacks from the small-minded, whether on the right or the left (because, by the way, there are racists and sexists on the left, too).

But Psaki uses the identity politics card to shut down discussion, not to encourage it. And that’s the point of identity politics. If I disagree with Psaki, I’m a racist and a misogynist. If I criticize Harris’ leadership, or point out flaws in her leadership, that makes me a racist or misogynist.

Identity politics panders to emotions and impedes sound reasoning. Anyone who invokes identity politics, whether the media or politicians or school children, does it for the same reason—to silence detractors and dodge justifiable criticism.

But not only does identity politics stifle honest discussion, it also prevents leaders from being held accountable or from being challenged to improve.

So, identity politics insults leaders and those they lead. We can, and should, look past externals to recognize flawed leadership and celebrate great leadership, regardless of the race or gender of the leader (1 Sam. 16:7).

Two things all leaders must do

To be honest, I am glad we have a woman as a VP. And I think it is a plus that she is a person of color. But her race and gender do not make her a good leader, nor do they make her a poor leader. The characteristics and practices of leadership transcend those factors. That’s why leadership can be objectively judged, discerned, and criticized.

So, I would offer that VP Kamala Harris has exhibited poor leadership. Not because she is non-white and a woman, but because she has given objective evidence that she is a flawed leader in two particular areas.

Leaders do lots of things, day in and day out. And the practices of leadership are universal. That is, there are some things that all leaders must do, all the time. And in two of those practices, Harris falls short.

Leaders must show up, and leaders must solve problems.

Everyone expects it

These leadership practices are no mystery. They are not tucked away in some dusty book at the back of an obscure academic library. No, these practices are proclaimed in nearly every volume on leadership, reviewed and critiqued in history books, and taught in courses on organizational leadership across the country.

These two practices are universally accepted as obligations of leaders, and these practices are assumed and expected by those we lead.

Show up. Solve problems.

And being a high-level leader doesn’t reduce these obligations. Just the opposite. The higher the level of leadership, the more crucial it is that a leader apply these practices.

Sometimes these are separate: Leaders show up. And leaders solve problems. And sometimes they go together: Leaders must show up to solve certain problems.

Of course, leaders cannot always show up in person. But even so, if they delegate their leadership, that is not the same thing as abdicating it.

For example, when Harris was appointed to solve the crisis at the Southern border, she should have gone there. Immediately. And if she could not have gone immediately, someone should have gone in her place—not as a substitute, and not as an excuse for her absence, and not indefinitely, but to represent her until she could get there.

Every leader knows this, and everyone she leads expects it. This has absolutely nothing to do with her party affiliation, race, or gender. It’s just good leadership.

Even if she could not produce immediate solutions, showing up demonstrates empathy for those suffering, takes ownership for the problem, and gives encouragement for those serving under her leadership.

Remember when the media thrashed President George W. Bush for waiting 29 days to make a trip to survey the damage from Katrina? Not 29 weeks, but days. Why? Because that’s what leaders do. They show up. And everyone expects it.

Leaders need to be seen. They show up. And when necessary, they solve problems.

Pastors practice this principle

Just ask your pastor. This is the reason pastors cancel vacations, sacrifice time with family, and adjust their schedules to be with you in a crisis.

At church events, pastors support ministry leaders by their presence, serve alongside servants on the front lines, and help solve problems in real time. Why? Because that’s what leaders do.

Pastors might be skilled teachers and preachers, and they might be media-savvy or write books to bless the masses. But at the end of the day, people will remember their leadership for two things—they showed up and they solved problems.

The reason for this is simple. When pastors show up and solve problems, they emulate the One who led the way. Jesus is the ultimate, perfect example. God showed up in Jesus Christ to solve the one problem it was impossible for us to solve – to be forgiven of our sins and restored to life (John 1:14, Luke 19:10).

So let’s dump identity politics

So, let’s get rid of identity politics. Instead, let’s hold leaders accountable for doing their jobs, for being leaders.

Let’s dispense with the idea that politicians should be, or even can be, judged by outward appearance or biology. Let’s judge them on character and competence. Let’s require them to be accountable for the two things that all leaders do.

The two things we expect and assume they will do.

To show up.  And to solve problems.

Whoever is greatest among you should become like the youngest, and whoever leads, like the one serving.

Luke 22:26