A recent video message from Vice President Kamala Harris has ignited mixed reactions and sparked speculation online about her emotional state. Released on Tuesday, November 26, the video marked Harris’ first address to supporters since conceding the presidential election, and it quickly became a topic of analysis, with some calling her delivery “bizarre” and others defending her intentions.
Body language expert Judi James offered insights into Harris’ demeanor, describing the speech as an attempt to inspire resilience among her supporters. Speaking to the Daily Mail, James noted, “This is a very verbose speech that combines Harris’ talent for the word salad with her signature body language rituals that try to persuade you that you are listening to some extremely profound, motivational thoughts and messages.”
In the video, Harris expressed gratitude to her supporters and urged them to remain hopeful despite the election loss. “I just have to remind you, don’t let anybody take your power from you,” Harris said. “You have the same power that you did before Nov 5th, and you have the same purpose that you did. And you have the same ability to engage and inspire.”
While her words were meant to motivate, some viewers focused on her delivery, which they found unusual. Harris hiccupped at one point during her remarks, fueling online memes and commentary comparing her to “a drunk aunt at Thanksgiving.” Altered videos circulated, humorously showing Harris holding a bottle of alcohol or smoking a cigar, with captions like, “Hungover Kamala Harris gets sinking feeling while checking if she drunk-posted anything yesterday.”
James observed that Harris struggled to convey genuine emotion, noting that her gestures were “largely flaccid,” including a “waggling finger” that weakened the impact of her words. At one point, Harris appeared visibly emotional, placing her hand on her throat as her speech faltered. James described the moment as her nearly “becoming overwhelmed” while trying to finish her remarks.
Despite the critique, Harris maintained a positive tone throughout, with James highlighting her “playful greeting smile” and attempts to motivate supporters. “It’s as though she’s trying to rev up a teenager after a failed exam,” James added.
The speech has drawn polarized reactions online, with supporters defending Harris’ resilience and critics mocking her delivery. Regardless, the video underscores the challenges Harris faces in connecting with audiences after a difficult election outcome.