Everyone Really Hates Kamala Harris's New Vogue Cover

The United States finally has its first incoming female Vice President, so of course the glossies have been quick to hop onto this historic moment. Over the weekend, Vogue unveiled Kamala Harris as its February cover star. But the move that should have gained acclaim has instead resulted in widespread backlash. 

Shot by Tyler Mitchell, the young talent who made history as the magazine's first Black photographer to shoot a cover story, ever, back in 2018, the photos, especially the one used as the official print cover, have sparked ire all over the internet.

Folks who don't get why the Vogue cover of VP-elect Kamala Harris is bad are missing the point. The pic itself isn't terrible as a pic. It's just far, far below the standards of Vogue. They didn't put thought into it. Like homework finished the morning it's due. Disrespectful.
— Charlotte Clymer 🏳️‍🌈 (@cmclymer) January 10, 2021

Wait that Kamala Vogue cover is real?! I thought it was fake—that’s how bad it is.

Did they just ask her to send them photos her husband took or
— ⚖️Imani Gandy ⚖️ (@AngryBlackLady) January 10, 2021

Anyone shocked by the poor quality of Kamala's Vogue cover hasn't paid attention to Anna Wintour's bullshit w/people of color. It spans decades. Team Kamala should've known better. Anyway, enjoy this pic that effortlessly shows her beauty w/o stripping her of her power(suit)😉. pic.twitter.com/S6RK9lpmIj
— Trish (@StilettoRoyalty) January 10, 2021

Anna Wintour needs to go. If the only time her team can properly style a black women is when she’s covered in couture then her tenure has ran it course. Look at how Kamala Harris’ Elle cover straight up bodied Vogue. Electric chair! pic.twitter.com/aBVZIho98P
— MVP Harris (@PTA_Daddy) January 10, 2021

Some critics have also pointed to the photo used as the digital cover as a better option. According to reports, the picture of Harris in the light blue suit had been originally agreed upon by her team, but Wintour switched it up last-minute.

4. Here is the Vogue cover Kamala Harris’ team thought would be released.

I’m told this cover on the left will be the digital cover, but the much maligned cover on the right has already gone to print and will be the cover available for sale and sent to subscribers. pic.twitter.com/5eWjPMTbdP
— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) January 10, 2021

In a statement, per CNN, Vogue defended its choice, explaining the mag "loved the images Tyler Mitchell shot and felt the more informal image captured Vice President-elect Harris's authentic, approachable nature - which we feel is one of the hallmarks of the Biden/Harris administration."

OK, Anna!