Harris Criticized for Changing Accent During Congressional Black Caucus Speech

Vice President Kamala Harris Mocked Over Speech

Vice President Kamala Harris is facing criticism online after delivering a speech at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Phoenix Awards Dinner, where she used an accent that many on social media described as "new" and "exaggerated."

The speech, delivered at a high-profile event in Washington, D.C., quickly sparked debate across social media about the authenticity of Harris' tone and approach. Critics pointed to her fluctuating accents during various campaign stops, with some finding it disingenuous and even offensive.

Harris, who attended the event alongside President Joe Biden, greeted the audience with specific nods to historically Black institutions. She opened her remarks with, "Hello to all of my Divine Nine brothers and sisters," followed by a greeting to her "HBCU brothers and sisters." The reference to "Divine Nine" highlighted her membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha, a historically Black sorority, during her time at Howard University.

Clip Shared Widely on Social Media

A clip of Harris’ speech was shared by the social media account End Wokeness on the platform X (formerly Twitter). The post quickly went viral, with users across the platform weighing in on her delivery. End Wokeness captioned the clip, saying, "Kamala Harris unveils a new accent at the Black Caucus Dinner," prompting further debate.

Among the critics was commentator Paul A. Szypula, who voiced strong disapproval, questioning whether Harris’ accent was genuine. He argued that the vice president’s use of what he described as a "fake Black accent" was not only inauthentic but also offensive to Black Americans.

"New? Or is it her old fake Black accent? Either way, it’s incredibly insulting to Black people. Shame on Kamala," Szypula posted in response to the speech, adding fuel to the ongoing online discourse.

Accusations of Changing Accents Not New

The criticism surrounding Harris' use of different accents is not new. Earlier in the month, videos surfaced of Harris adopting distinct tones during campaign stops in Detroit and Pittsburgh, with some noticing the differences in her speech between the two events. This raised eyebrows among political observers and social media users alike, adding to the ongoing scrutiny of her public speaking style.

Another social media user, Collin Rugg, noted that Harris seems to adjust her delivery depending on the event. He remarked, "Kamala has brought out this new accent throughout the campaign at different times." Such observations have only intensified the perception that the vice president's changing speech patterns are part of a broader attempt to appeal to different audiences.

White House Dismisses Concerns About Harris' Accents

The debate surrounding Harris’ accents also made its way to the White House press briefing room. During a session with reporters, Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy questioned White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre about the vice president’s varying speech styles, pointing out the contrast between her tone when speaking about unions in Detroit and in Pittsburgh.

Doocy asked, "Since when does the vice president have what sounds like a Southern accent?" Jean-Pierre quickly brushed off the inquiry, asserting that it was irrelevant to the issues Americans truly care about. She emphasized that concerns over Harris’ speaking style were a distraction from more pressing matters.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Jean-Pierre responded, before adding, "Americans care about the economy. They care about lowering costs. They care about healthcare. That’s what Americans care about."

Harris' Outreach to Black Voters

Harris' appearance at the Congressional Black Caucus event is part of a broader effort by the vice president to engage with Black voters, a key constituency for the Biden-Harris administration. Her participation in events like this one reflects a strategic outreach effort leading up to the 2024 presidential election.

In addition to the Phoenix Awards Dinner, Harris has made multiple appearances aimed at engaging with Black communities across the country. These include scheduled events with the National Association of Black Journalists in Philadelphia and an upcoming rally with media mogul Oprah Winfrey. Other groups, such as "Win with Black Women" and "South Asians for Harris," are also expected to take part in this initiative.

Biden Praises Harris' Role in Administration

President Biden, who spoke before Harris at the Phoenix Awards Dinner, praised the vice president for her contributions to the administration. He commended her as a trailblazer, highlighting her position as the first Black and South Asian woman to serve as vice president. Biden also expressed his belief in Harris’ potential to break another barrier.

"God willing, she will become the first woman president of the United States of America," Biden stated during his speech, adding another layer to the evening’s focus on representation and the progress made by people of color in politics.

Social Media Continues to Debate Harris' Speaking Style

As the video clip from Harris’ speech continues to circulate online, opinions remain divided. While some view the vice president’s changing accents as a relatable attempt to connect with different audiences, others see it as an attempt to pander.

James Hirsen, another critic, sarcastically referred to Harris' "accent du jour" in his social media post, echoing the sentiments of those who believe her shifting delivery is part of a calculated political strategy.

Despite the ongoing online controversy, Harris has not publicly addressed the criticism regarding her speaking style. For now, the debate over her tone seems to have become another facet of the broader discussion surrounding her vice presidency and her potential future in national politics.