Senator Warren Faces Criticism Over Heritage Claims – Reuters

By Ginger Gibson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, on the cusp of formally launching her 2020 presidential campaign, encountered criticism on Wednesday for asserting her Native American identity in the 1980s, raising concerns among fellow Democrats about her management of the controversy.

A recent report revealed that the Massachusetts Democrat identified herself as Native American when applying to join the Texas legal bar in the 1980s. This revelation adds to a six-year saga where critics claim she has not adequately acknowledged the significance of tribal sovereignty.

While other Democratic presidential candidates remained silent, some party members expressed fears that this issue could hinder her campaign even before her official announcement slated for Saturday.

Scott Ferson, a Democratic strategist in Boston, commented, "They mishandled it from the moment she received evidence questioning her Native American identity."

Warren’s situation arises as Democrats confront allegations of racial insensitivity after Virginia’s Democratic governor and attorney general admitted to wearing blackface during the 1980s.

One of Warren’s financial supporters, speaking anonymously, suggested that these recent revelations could complicate her political future, but insisted they should not be considered a death knell for her campaign. "I believe her strong policies and genuine commitment to improvement can overcome any doubts this may raise," the donor stated.

In her remarks to reporters in Washington, Warren stated that she did not think her self-identification as Native American ever provided her any advantage. She emphasized her recent apologies were meant to convey that she should have been more conscious of how she identified herself. "I’m not a tribal citizen, and I should have been more mindful," she acknowledged.

Warren’s campaign did not respond to requests for further comments. Meanwhile, Ronna McDaniel, chairwoman of the Republican Party, urged the Texas bar association to discipline Warren for what she called a "false statement" regarding her Native American identity.

Senator Kamala Harris, another participant in the race for the Democratic nomination to challenge President Donald Trump, called the debate a "distraction."

Warren’s claims about her heritage have shadowed her since her initial bid for the U.S. Senate in 2012, when her opponent, Republican Scott Brown, criticized her for being listed as a minority at Harvard University.

After Warren’s criticisms of Trump ahead of his 2016 campaign, he infamously nicknamed her "Pocahontas," despite widespread condemnation for potential racial insensitivity.

In 2020, after Trump challenged her to take a DNA test, Warren released the results, which drew ire from tribal leaders who stated that Native American identity is determined by tribal membership, not genetics alone.