Kamala Harris recently appeared on the “All the Smoke” podcast hosted by former NBA players Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes, where she shared a bizarre story and affected a tone that left many cringing.
The interview took an unusual turn as Harris, speaking in a noticeably altered accent, discussed topics ranging from her racial identity to a curious anecdote involving a pork roast.
In the interview, Harris emphasized her confidence in her racial identity while subtly addressing critics who question her background. “I’m really clear about who I am, and if anybody else is not, they need to go through their own level of therapy, that’s not my issue,” Harris declared.
The statement, which was delivered in what appeared to be a forced and exaggerated manner, didn’t quite resonate with everyone, particularly with podcast co-host Stephen Jackson, whose skeptical facial expression seemed to convey discomfort.
But the real eyebrow-raiser came when Harris launched into a story about buying a pork roast after receiving news that President Joe Biden was dropping out of the 2024 race.
“Look, from the time the president called me and told me he wasn’t running – everything was just in speedy, speedy motion, and I was not sleeping so well,”
Harris explained, attempting to establish a personal connection. “That one morning, I had a few hours of sleep, and I just went out and got a pork roast and started marinating it.”
The awkward moment was followed by her signature laugh, which has often been a point of criticism.
While Harris chuckled through her recollection, co-host Matt Barnes tried to engage with the story, seemingly trying to salvage the conversation.
However, many felt that Harris’s attempt to appear relatable came off as insincere and contrived, especially given the incongruity of the story’s timing and relevance. The forced anecdote about preparing a pork roast seemed to miss the mark with the podcast’s audience.
Stephen Jackson, however, appeared less impressed.
His facial expression during the conversation reflected a sense of unease, particularly when Harris shifted into an accent and tone that felt disconnected from her usual manner of speaking.
His reaction was widely noted on social media, where viewers shared their thoughts about the awkward exchange.
The interview wasn’t without further attempts at relatability. Harris mentioned her longstanding friendships, dropping a light-hearted story about a childhood friend, Stacey Johnson, with whom she shared memories of going to clubs in Johnson’s father’s Seville.
As she reminisced, Harris again erupted into her trademark cackle, punctuating what was meant to be a warm, nostalgic moment.
However, this segment of the interview failed to make the desired impact, as many viewers found the overall tone to be overly pandering.
Harris’s frequent laughter, forced anecdotes, and the attempt to relate through a staged narrative about everyday life felt out of touch, particularly for an audience expecting substantive insights from the Vice President.
This isn’t the first time Harris has been criticized for her public speaking style. Over the years, her laughter at inappropriate moments, use of forced accents, and awkward stories have been subjects of widespread discussion.
Critics often accuse her of being overly rehearsed, and this latest podcast appearance did little to dispel those perceptions.
In the end, while the interview may have been intended to showcase a more personal and relatable side of Harris, it instead highlighted some of the persistent issues she faces with public engagement.
Her anecdotes and mannerisms seemed to fall flat with both the podcast hosts and the audience.
Though Harris is known for her efforts to connect with diverse audiences, moments like these raise questions about whether her approach is actually resonating with the very communities she’s trying to reach.
