
Vice President Kamala Harris faces criticism for her speech at a Congressional Black Caucus event, where she allegedly adopted a “new accent” to appeal to the audience.
At a Glance
- Harris accused of using a different accent at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Phoenix Awards Dinner
- Social media users and critics claim Harris altered her speaking style to pander to the audience
- White House dismisses accusations, emphasizing focus on more pressing national issues
- Harris’s speech highlighted her connection to Howard University and Black fraternities and sororities
Controversy Erupts Over Harris’s Accent at Black Caucus Event
Vice President Kamala Harris found herself at the center of a controversy following her speech at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Phoenix Awards Dinner in Washington, D.C. Critics and social media users quickly pointed out what they perceived as inconsistencies in her speaking style, accusing her of adopting a “new accent” to appeal to the predominantly Black audience.
During her address, Harris greeted the audience with phrases that emphasized her connection to historically Black institutions and organizations. “Hello to all of my Divine Nine brothers and sisters! And to all my HBCU brothers and sisters,” Harris said, referencing her membership in a historically Black sorority at Howard University.
It's absolutely incredible that this woman is being considered for president. What is she going to do when she meets with world leaders, take on their foreign accents and break out into that laugh during serious conversations? https://t.co/NwwycO5HgZ
— Jules 😎 (@003Jules) September 15, 2024
Critics Accuse Harris of Pandering
The Vice President’s speech quickly drew criticism from various quarters, with many accusing her of altering her accent to suit different audiences. This is not the first time Harris has faced such accusations. In the past, she has been criticized for adopting a southern drawl in Florida and Georgia, attempting a Detroit accent in Michigan, and even using what some perceived as a French accent during a visit to Paris.
“Kamala Harris is whatever you want her to be, depending on which audience she is talking to, but I give her credit for being able to change her accent for so many audiences!”
Right-wing commentators and Republican figures were quick to mock Harris’s latest perceived accent change. Some claimed it was evidence of inauthenticity and a lack of consistency in the Biden administration. Conservative pundits drew comparisons to past Democratic politicians, such as Hillary Clinton, who faced similar accusations of modifying their speech to appeal to different demographics.
White House Responds to Criticism
In response to the growing controversy, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre dismissed the accusations as “insane.” When questioned about Harris’s varying accents by Fox News’ Peter Doocy, Jean-Pierre emphasized that Americans are more concerned with issues like the economy, healthcare, and lowering costs rather than the Vice President’s accent.
“Kamala Harris is speaking in front of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation so of course she’s suddenly developed a mysterious accent…” – Benny Johnson
Despite the controversy, Harris remains popular among older Black voters, although younger Black voters are reportedly more skeptical. The Vice President is actively courting Black voters, with upcoming engagements including a meeting with the National Association of Black Journalists and a rally with Oprah Winfrey.
Linguistic Perspective on Accent Changes
While critics view Harris’s alleged accent changes as calculated political moves, linguists offer a different perspective. The phenomenon of public figures naturally shifting their tone and vocabulary depending on context is known as “code-switching.” This practice is common and often unconscious, particularly among individuals who navigate multiple cultural or social contexts.
As the 2024 election cycle approaches, Harris’s speech patterns and public appearances will likely continue to be scrutinized. The ongoing debate surrounding her communication style highlights the complex interplay between identity, authenticity, and political messaging in American politics.