Kamala Harris has once again found herself in the crosshairs of criticism, and this time, it’s not just for her policies but for her performance during a live Zoom meeting about hurricane preparedness. Viewers were treated to an entertaining display of ineptitude as the Vice President was caught off guard, leading observers to question her grasp on the basics of public engagement, much less crisis management.
During a meeting intended to discuss the looming Hurricane Milton and the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Harris appeared to struggle with her role. The situation took a humorous turn when she was caught asking an aide whether she could “talk back,” clearly unaware that her queries could be heard by everyone watching. It’s a moment that underscores her ongoing struggle to portray competence, leaving many to wonder how she navigates the complexities of political life without falling apart at the seams.
HOLY SMOKES. Kamala had her staffers giving her questions to ask during the hurricane briefing and she covered her mouth to let them know "It's a live broadcast."
Little did she know her mic was still on…
Total incompetence on full display. pic.twitter.com/pmTPmoecBx
— johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) October 9, 2024
As if that wasn’t enough to raise eyebrows, Harris seemingly relied on her aide for prompts while attempting to address the nation about storm preparations. The image of her huddled over her notes, desperately asking for help, paints a picture of a leader who is not quite ready for prime time. Rather than offering a reassuring message to those facing disaster, she instead conjured up an awkward spectacle that has been the source of both laughter and disbelief.
Criticism has only intensified as she attempts to position herself as an authority amid disaster responses, especially after her recent, unsuccessful outreach to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. During a time when he was tackling significant hurricane challenges, her attempt to engage him regarding support was seen as more of a political stunt than genuine assistance—a miscalculation that was not lost on voters or commentators. For someone vying for higher political ground, her actions have raised serious doubts about her sincerity and ability to lead in crisis situations.
This comical revelation comes on top of Harris’s previous blunders, leading many to question her suitability for leadership roles that require quick thinking and decisiveness. Instead, her photo-op moments seem rehearsed and disconnected from the actual needs of the people affected by these emergencies. While Americans look for strong, capable leaders in times of crisis, the Vice President’s live Zoom flub illustrates that her focus might be misplaced—perhaps more on delivering narratives than on delivering solutions.
In a world where competence is paramount, Kamala Harris has inadvertently made the case for why her critics are so vocal. The comedy of errors during an important meeting serves as a stark reminder: leadership requires more than just a title and a Zoom link; it demands a genuine connection with the issues at hand, something that has become increasingly clear is lacking in her current approach.