On Friday, Vice President Kamala Harris presided over the swearing in of senators as the 119th Congress officially convened. The event, held at the U.S. Capitol, included both solemnity and a few moments of levity. A video of Vice President elect JD Vance laughing as Harris administered the oath went viral, prompting mixed reactions online. Donald Trump Jr. shared the video with a smiling emoji, adding fuel to the social media chatter. However, Vance appeared to harbor no ill intent, as he clapped politely once the ceremony concluded. Harris, ever composed, greeted the moment with a pleasant smile as she carried out her duties amid the backdrop of a fiercely contested election cycle.
Harris’s role as vice president encompasses several responsibilities, including serving as president of the Senate. This position grants her the power to break Senate ties and oversee impeachment trials that do not involve a sitting president. A significant ceremonial aspect of her role is swearing in newly elected senators, enabling them to commence their terms.
During Friday’s ceremony, Harris encountered a few awkward moments. According to an article, some Republican senators struggled to correctly pronounce her name, a common issue she has faced throughout her career. Nevertheless, Harris handled the situation with professionalism and poise, exemplifying her ability to navigate tense or uncomfortable situations.
JD Vance later shared a photo from the ceremony, specifically highlighting the moment he was caught laughing.
“I was proud to stand with @berniemoreno and @DaveMcCormickPA as they were sworn in to the US Senate. Congrats to them and to all of our new senators!” Vance wrote, framing the occasion as celebratory.
Many of the senators Harris swore in were the same individuals who had spent months criticizing her during their campaigns, often spreading inflammatory and false claims about her policies. Despite this, Harris maintained her composure, performing her duties with dignity and grace.
The vice president’s ability to carry out her role, even in the face of political animosity, underscores the challenges inherent in her position. Like predecessors Al Gore and Richard Nixon, Harris exemplifies the commitment required to uphold the norms of the Senate, demonstrating that professionalism often transcends partisanship.
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