Harris-Perry on shock of Trump win: 'Since when' are racism and sexism 'disqualifiers' for president?

Professor and journalist Melissa Harris-Perry got real about Donald Trump's 2016 election victory during an Atlantic forum held at Wake Forest University on Dec. 13, Atlanta Black Star reported.

Specifically, Harris-Perry touched on her annoyance that anyone would be shocked that racism and sexual assault would disqualify him as a candidate.

"I am not even vaguely surprised by the idea that sexual assault would be a not disqualifier for the American presidency," she said. "In fact, I was mostly irritated every time people would say 'Oh God, we can't have a racist be the American president,' because I kept wondering, since when?"

She continued, "For most of American history, racism has been a prerequisite to win the American presidency. One had to actually demonstrate one's racism to become the American president."

"And the same was certainly true of sexism, and even of sexual assault," Harris-Perry said.

Hear her remarks below.