The action taken by the Tennessee GOP, widely seen as a stunt and an attack on democracy, may have already backfired. Throughout Thursday’s expulsion hearings and beyond, the Republicans were labeled “fascist” for their blatant interference with democracy. The different treatment of the Black and white legislators also drew obvious calls of racism on the part of the GOP as it targeted two young Black legislators. Outrage over these events has grown across the country, on social media, and at the highest levels of the Democratic Party. President Joe Biden condemned the actions of the Tennessee legislature and reached out to the three targeted Democrats.

Three kids and three officials gunned down in yet another mass shooting.

And what are GOP officials focused on?

Punishing lawmakers who joined thousands of peaceful protesters calling for action.

It’s shocking, undemocratic, and without precedent. https://t.co/NB9gSdFI9h

— President Biden (@POTUS) April 6, 2023

Earlier, I spoke to Reps Jones, Pearson, and Johnson to thank them for their leadership and courage in the face of a blatant disregard of our nation’s democratic values.

Our country needs to take action on gun violence — to do that we need more voices like theirs speaking out. pic.twitter.com/oQl9jQSOy1

— President Biden (@POTUS) April 7, 2023

Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris made a surprise trip to Tennessee, where she met with the three legislators in person and gave a fiery speech at Fisk University. “We will not throw up our hands when it is time to roll up our sleeves,” the vice president exclaimed, adding, “We will fight! We will lead! We will speak about truth!”

“We will not be defeated! We will not be deterred! We will not throw up our hands when it is time to roll up our sleeves! We will fight! We will lead! We will speak about truth! And speak about freedom and justice and march on!” – @VP Harris. That’s our Vice President!! pic.twitter.com/glWOvtWJ31

— Sky | MVP supporter ???? (@skylikeajedi) April 7, 2023