Vice President Kamala Harris is mocked online for shifting her accent during a recent Congressional Black Caucus event.
Vice President Kamala Harris is drawing criticism after using what many perceive as a new accent during her speech at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Phoenix Awards Dinner on Saturday night. The event took place in Washington, D.C., and Harris’ manner of speaking quickly became a topic of debate on social media.
During her address, Harris greeted attendees with, “Hello to all of my Divine Nine brothers and sisters, and to all my HBCU brothers and sisters.”
This remark, referencing her affiliation with a historically Black sorority and Historically Black Colleges and Universities, was met with both applause and online mockery.
The social media account End Wokeness shared a clip of Harris’ speech on X (formerly Twitter), captioning it: “BREAKING: Kamala Harris unveils a new accent at the Black Caucus Dinner.” This post sparked a flurry of responses, with many users questioning the authenticity of Harris’ accent.
The controversy over Harris’ accents is not new. Earlier this month, she faced scrutiny for appearing to use different accents in quick succession while campaigning in Detroit and Pittsburgh. This perceived inconsistency led to a pointed question from Fox News’ Peter Doocy to White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. Doocy asked, “Since when does the vice president have what sounds like a southern accent?”
Jean-Pierre’s response was dismissive, stating, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” She then shifted the focus to more pressing issues, saying, “They care about the economy. They care about lowering costs. They care about healthcare. That’s what Americans care about…”
Paul A. Szypula, a notable X user, criticized, “New? Or is it her old fake black accent? Either way, it’s incredibly insulting to black people. Shame on Kamala.”
Collin Rugg, another prominent X user, also weighed in, writing, “NEW: Kamala Harris brings out her new accent at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 2024 Phoenix Awards Dinner in Washington D.C.” Rugg’s tweet, which included the clip of Harris speaking, highlighted the apparent shift in her accent during various campaign events. James Hirsen, a columnist, added to the critique with the tweet, “Kamala Harris accent du jour.”
The shift in Harris’ accent has become a recurring theme in public discussions. Critics argue that these changes seem opportunistic and are viewed by some as an attempt to connect with various voter demographics. The vice president’s campaign is currently focused on rallying Black voters, with upcoming appearances planned, including a session with the National Association of Black Journalists in Philadelphia and a rally headlined by Oprah Winfrey later in the week.
Despite the backlash, Harris’ team remains focused on her broader goals and public engagements. Her recent appearances are part of a strategic effort to appeal to diverse voter bases as the next election approaches.
Vice President Kamala Harris’ recent speech at the Congressional Black Caucus event has stirred online discussions, with many questioning the authenticity of her accent changes. While some view these shifts as a strategic attempt to connect with different groups, others criticize them as disingenuous. The controversy reflects broader discussions about political authenticity and voter engagement in a highly polarized environment.
