Kamala Harris sparks social media uproar over 'fake accent' during Michigan campaign
Kamala Harris is once again being accused of inconsistency, this time related to her speaking style.
Critics allege that the vice-presidential nominee adopted a 'fake accent' during a speech to a teachers union in Michigan on Monday as part of her campaign in a key swing state.
The Democratic candidate faced a wave of social media backlash, with users claiming she altered her voice while addressing union members at a Detroit high school.
Harris has previously been mocked and accused of using varying accents, and these allegations have resurfaced just two months before the election.
“New Kamala accent just dropped,” one user on X commented, reacting to a video clip of Harris addressing the teachers union in Detroit.
Social media users suggested that Harris used an urban accent in her speech to connect with the working-class audience.
“You may not be a union member but you better thank a union member for the five day work week,” Harris said in a tone that some noted was different from her usual speech delivery.
She continued, “You better thank a union member for sick leave. You better thank a union member for paid leave. You better thank a union member for vacation time.”
Another X user sarcastically commented, “I'm from California. We all talk like this,” alongside a phonetic imitation of how Harris spoke, adding, “I'm gonna make sure to thanka union memba today.”
At one point, an audience member mentioned something about her future beyond the 2024 election.
Still using the altered accent, Harris responded with a broad smile and laugh, leaning over the podium to say, “Let's just get through the next 64 days.”
Harris was in Detroit on Labor Day, speaking to union members in the gymnasium of Northwestern High School about the significant role unions have played in the labor movement.
Outkick writer Ian Miller posted, “At some point, Kamala's going to speak in England and adopt a full on British accent and everyone will pretend like it's totally normal.”
“This is cringe pandering,” another wrote. “Kamala is using her new 'accent' when talking to a certain demographic of people.”