In a recent display that left viewers questioning her authenticity, Vice President Kamala Harris seemingly adopted a Southern accent during a Labor Day rally in Detroit, only to shed it hours later in Pittsburgh.
This vocal transformation, witnessed by many, quickly became fodder for critics and media alike.
Fox News’s Peter Doocy, known for his direct questioning, brought the incident to the forefront during a White House press briefing with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
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Doocy queried the sudden emergence of this Southern drawl, which had been notably absent in previous speeches. “Since when does the vice president have what sounds like a Southern accent?” Doocy asked, highlighting the stark contrast in Harris’s speech delivery between the two cities.
Kamala in Detroit vs. Kamala in Pittsburgh — literally 5 hours apart
The difference is insane pic.twitter.com/ZPXXr2BHe7
— johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) September 2, 2024
Jean-Pierre responded dismissively to Doocy’s inquiry, questioning the relevance of the accent issue compared to broader national concerns. “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Jean-Pierre retorted, visibly irritated by the line of questioning. She further criticized the focus on the accent, stating, “You know what [Americans] care about? They care about the economy, they care about lowering costs, they care about health care… I’m not going to even entertain some question about… it’s just. Hearing it sounds so ridiculous.”
Karine Jean-Pierre LOSES her mind when Fox News’ Peter Doocy asks an absolutely legendary question on why Kamala Harris seems to develop a Southern accent when speaking to certain crowds, otherwise known as code-switching or shameless pandering. pic.twitter.com/UhrAkRy2yn
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) September 3, 2024
Despite Jean-Pierre’s attempts to redirect the conversation to topics she deemed more critical, the accent change continued to stir commentary and analysis.
Critics argued that Harris’s fluctuating accents depending on her audience were a tactic to resonate or connect on a superficial level.
GOP strategist Matt Whitlock commented on the incident, saying, “All of politics is a performance to Kamala Harris. She changes fake accents like she changes policy positions and political personas.”
All of politics is a performance to Kamala Harris. She changes fake accents like she changes policy positions and political personas.
Today she’s talking in a fake southern accent, pretending to be a moderate. Next week she’ll be back to San Francisco liberal. https://t.co/gtRCW1hx9P
— Matt Whitlock (@mattdizwhitlock) September 2, 2024
This is not the first time Harris has been scrutinized for altering her speech. Previously, during a rally in Atlanta and a 2021 trip to France, Harris faced similar accusations of adopting regional inflections that did not typically characterize her speech.
Is she using a FRENCH ACCENT?! I love this episode of Veep. https://t.co/HC0eaq0nsY
— Abigail Jackson (@abigailmarone) November 10, 2021
At the Detroit rally, Harris emphatically addressed the crowd, stressing the contributions of union workers. “You better thank a union member for the five-day work week,” she proclaimed in the accent that some likened to the animated character Foghorn Leghorn. Yet, later that day in Pittsburgh, the accent was conspicuously absent, leading to further allegations of inauthenticity.
The incident has prompted discussions about the sincerity and authenticity of political figures who adapt their personas to different audiences. Conservative commentator Greg Price captured the sentiment of many observers by noting, “Same speech. Two entirely different accents. She’s the fakest human being that has ever lived.”
Kamala Harris speaking in Detroit earlier today vs Pittsburgh a few hours later.
Same speech. Two entirely different accents.
She’s the fakest human being that has ever lived. pic.twitter.com/A7Nq7nHICJ
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) September 2, 2024
The controversy over Harris’s accent highlights the ongoing challenges political figures face in maintaining authenticity while trying to appeal to diverse groups.
As Kamala continues her public engagements, the scrutiny of her rhetoric and delivery is likely to persist, underscoring the delicate balance between genuine connection and perceived performance in politics.
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