Kamala Harris’ Bizarre Post-Election Pep Talk Leaves Supporters Scratching Heads

Written by Elijah Thompson.

Vice President Kamala Harris made her first public appearance through a video message to her supporters following her electoral defeat, and the reaction has been anything but ordinary. Instead of addressing the complexities of the loss or laying out a path forward, Harris chose to focus on an abstract concept of personal power. She encouraged her followers with, “Don’t let anybody take your power from you. You have the same power that you did before Nov. 5, and you have the same purpose that you did.” While the message of resilience might sound uplifting, the delivery and context have left many perplexed.

In the video, Harris seems to be grappling with the weight of defeat, yet her words aim to inspire. She speaks of maintaining strength in dark times, asserting that this inner fortitude “cannot be taken from us.” The implication seems to be that despite the election results, the fight for America’s ideals continues unabated. However, the execution of this message has sparked more confusion than inspiration. Social media users have not hesitated to voice their bewilderment, with some even questioning the sobriety of the moment.

Critics have pointed out the irony in Harris’s call to retain power during what should ideally be a peaceful transition. National Review’s Jim Geraghty remarked on the inappropriateness of the theme during such a time, suggesting it might not sit well with the ethos of democratic transition. The video, rather than rallying the base, seems to have ignited a flurry of skepticism and mockery online.

Social Media Reacts: Confusion and Criticism

The response on social media platforms like X was swift and varied, with many users expressing their disbelief at the content and tone of the video. Some found it outright laughable, while others were concerned about the vice president’s state of mind during the recording. DC Examiner’s Kimberly Ross labeled the video as a terrible attempt at communication, hinting at a disconnect between the message and its delivery. Joe Concha from Fox News similarly noted an oddity in Harris’s demeanor, suggesting a lack of proper vetting before public release.

Comments ranged from outright jest to serious questioning of the decision-making process behind sharing such a video. OutKick’s Mary Katharine Ham quipped about the need for better control over social media posts, and Terry Schilling from the American Principles Project used a facepalm emoji to express his reaction to the choice of platform and content. Tyler Austin Harper from The Atlantic took it a step further, questioning the intelligence of those who greenlit the video, highlighting a perceived lack of coherent strategy or message.

The discussion around Harris’s video wasn’t just about political strategy but also touched on personal presentation. Comments insinuating possible intoxication or just a general sense of being “off” dominated the conversation, reflecting the public’s discomfort with the video’s tone and Harris’s delivery.

The Backstory: A Call to Donors

The video in question was actually a snippet from a longer conversation Harris had with donors and volunteers, marking her first direct address after conceding the election to Donald Trump. This context, however, did little to soften the blow or change the public perception of the message’s effectiveness or relevance.

In her full statement, Harris acknowledged the disappointing election results but took pride in the campaign’s efforts. She highlighted the unprecedented nature of her campaign, which lasted only 107 days, suggesting that despite the loss, there was much to be proud of. This might have been a strategic move to keep morale high among her supporters and donors, yet it didn’t resonate well through the medium of a video clip shared on social media.

Our Take

The reaction to Kamala Harris’s post-election video message is a telling sign of the political climate and perhaps the internal struggles within the Democratic Party. It’s not just about a video; it’s about leadership, messaging, and the ability to connect with the public in times of defeat.

The conservative perspective here is not just about critiquing the style or even the substance of Harris’s message but about the broader implications of such political missteps. Leadership in politics requires not just resilience but also the ability to communicate effectively, especially in defeat. Harris’s approach, seemingly detached from the reality of her situation and the expectations of her audience, might reflect deeper issues within her team or her personal political strategy.

For the public, especially for those who might look to political leaders for guidance or inspiration in times of national transition, this video represents a missed opportunity. It underscores the importance of clear, coherent, and sober messaging from our leaders. When the focus shifts from substantive policy discussion or a clear path forward to defending personal power in an abstract form, it does little to reassure or engage a populace already reeling from division and political fatigue.

In essence, this episode with Vice President Harris’s video is indicative of a broader problem where political figures might prioritize internal morale boosting over clear, public communication, which does a disservice to the electorate expecting transparency, accountability, and leadership.