New York – Controversy erupted recently when Fox News host Jesse Watters made dismissive remarks about former Vice President Kamala Harris’s appearance during a discussion about attractiveness among political figures. The incident occurred on the March 23 episode of “The Five,” where panel members reacted to a piece suggesting Democrats favor candidates who fit traditional notions of beauty.
The dialogue began with co-host Emily Compagno introducing a clip from “Andy Cohen Live,” in which a guest expressed a desire for an attractive president. Former House Press Secretary Dana Perino praised Harris’s looks, describing her as “an objectively beautiful person.” However, Perino raised questions regarding the lack of support from female Democrats for women leaders, asking, “Where is the girlhood?”
Watters quickly countered Perino’s endorsement, asserting, “I didn’t think Kamala was hot.” As the discussion progressed, he reiterated his stance, indicating that while he found her “okay,” she did not meet his criteria for attractiveness. Co-host Greg Gutfeld offered a subtle disagreement, acknowledging Harris as “attractive,” while Perino clarified her previous choice of words, stating she preferred “beautiful” to “hot.”
Jessica Tarlov, a Democratic strategist and fellow panelist, dismissed the discussion as “ridiculous.” She argued that the remarks detracted from more substantial conversations within the party and pointed out several women she regarded as appealing, mentioning figures such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Watters’s comments are part of a broader pattern of controversial statements he has made regarding Harris. In January, he suggested that she would be paralyzed by indecision in high-pressure situations. Although he later claimed his remarks were not meant to be sexual, he did not offer a full apology.
As Harris increases her visibility within the Democratic Party following her 2024 presidential campaign, she is scheduled to attend several fundraisers across Southern states in mid-April, a strategic move reminiscent of her previous campaign efforts. These appearances include a keynote address at the Arkansas Democrats’ annual Fisher Shackelford Dinner, which quickly sold out following its announcement, showcasing her continued influence within the party.
Additionally, Harris has been active promoting her memoir, “107 Days,” and has chosen not to pursue the governorship of California. Instead, she has been focusing on supporting fellow Democrats through fundraising and speaking engagements as the 2026 midterm elections approach.
The exchange on Fox News elicited rapid criticism, with many observers lamenting that such debates often reduce political discourse to superficial discussions about appearance. The incident has reignited conversations surrounding the contrasting treatment of female versus male politicians in media dialogues.
Furthermore, a recent survey indicated that 16.7 percent of registered Democrats viewed Harris as a viable candidate for 2028, placing her second to former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who garnered 18.4 percent support. As other potential candidates quietly assess her plans, Harris remains dedicated to bolstering Democratic efforts leading into the upcoming midterms.