Over the past several days, Vice President Kamala Harris has received substantial criticism for her comments, which have been described as a confusing “word salad.” Harris and President Biden recently appeared on the tarmac to celebrate the safe return of American hostages who had been detained overseas in Russia.
Harris delivered meandering comments in her statement, apparently attempting to convey a message about “strength” and diplomacy. The vice president has long had a reputation for this manner of speaking, drawing into question her ability to communicate effectively at her level of national politics, a seeming prerequisite for the Oval Office.
“This is just extraordinary testament to the importance of having a president who understands the power of diplomacy and understands the strength that rests in understanding the significance of diplomacy and strengthening alliances,” Harris said. “This is an incredible day.” Her comments drew instant backlash from conservatives online.
Conservative commentator Tomi Lahren reacted, “Here we go again. Kamala is still burdened by what has been, clearly.” Lahren was referencing a commonly touted remark of Harris’ in which she says, “What can be, unburdened by what has been.” Former Acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell said about Harris’ comments, “Dear God. Without a teleprompter she’s unable to make sense. DC reporters are helping her hide.”
Another user on X wrote, Serious question!!!! Does anybody else feel like you have to solve a riddle to find the answers to the questions she is asked??? Bc I listen to her answer questions and then I feel lost, like I really missed something so I go back and watch it again and again!” Furthermore, others claimed this was evidence that Harris has risen to her position on the basis of her skin color. “This is why Kamala Harris is hiding from interviews and won’t talk about policy. Because she is the epitome of an incompetent DEI hire,” another user said.
The American Tribune also reported on comments from Fox News host Laura Ingraham, who suggested Vice President Harris was not fit for her position. “When you don’t really ever get vetted, when you get pushed along in your career not for your talent, but because of connections — well, you can fake it for a while, but the truth is always going to come out,” the host said, suggesting that Harris rose to her position through her connections.
Ingraham further called into question Harris’ ability to communicate with the press. “She can’t hold a press conference or answer reporters’ questions. She can’t explain why their record is, by any measure, successful. She can’t go into Michigan and explain how she’s going to rescue the auto industry,” she said. The host added, “She can’t go into Pittsburgh to explain how she’s going to save the steel industry. And we certainly know she cannot reassure a single world leader of her competence and understanding of geopolitical affairs.”
Watch Harris’ word salad incident below:
Claiming it is “beyond comprehension” how Harris could be tasked with representing the nation, Ingraham said, “They’re acting as though we’re going to, I don’t know, vote for Miss Congeniality here in the United States. The idea that Kamala is going to be responsible for the lives of hundreds of millions of Americans or commander-in-chief of hundreds of thousands of U.S. troops is beyond comprehension.”
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