FACT CHECK: Facebook Post Falsely Claims Kamala Harris Borrowed Quote From Karl Marx
An image shared on Facebook claims 2024 Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris purportedly borrowed her “unburdened by what has been” quote from Karl Marx.
Verdict: False
The quote does not appear in any of Marx’s writings, including “The Communist Manifesto,” and there is no other evidence to suggest Harris borrowed the quote from him.
Fact Check:
A new Redfield & Wilton Strategies poll conducted exclusively for Newsweek found more adults trust Harris on policing and crime than former President Donald Trump, the outlet reported. According to the same poll, Harris leads Trump on the issue of policing and crime at 43% compared to 40%, the outlet indicated.
The Facebook image claims Harris purportedly borrowed her “unburdened by what has been” quote from Marx. The image appears to be a collage featuring two photos, one of Harris and one of Marx. Next to Harris is the quote, “unburdened by what has been.” Likewise, next to Marx is the quote, “move forward into a future unburdened by what has been.”
The claim is false. The purported quote attributed to Marx does not appear in his most notable work, “The Communist Manifesto.” In addition, the purported quote is also not included in a list of quotes from his other various writings, according to the website Marxists.org.
Harris also has not referenced the claim that she purportedly borrowed the quote from Marx on her 2024 campaign website or her verified social media accounts.
Furthermore, Check Your Fact has not found any credible news reports to support the claim, either. Actually, the opposite is true. On Oct. 3, Lead Stories debunked the claim. (RELATED: No, This Video Does Not Show Harris Campaign Ad About Mother Regretting Not Getting An Abortion)
“What can be unburdened by what has been?” is a catchphrase Harris has used since she ran for president in 2020, according to The Week. The catchphrase is just one of many popular online memes surrounding her 2024 campaign, the outlet indicated.
Check Your Fact has contacted a Harris spokesperson for comment.
