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Former Vice President Kamala Harris made an appearance at two Broadway shows this weekend, taking in performances that would typically generate routine media coverage of a public figure’s cultural engagement. As someone who’s watched countless political figures address crowds, however, what happened next was particularly cringe-worthy.
The evening at New York’s famed theater district included viewings of Gypsy and A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical alongside her husband, Doug Emhoff, at Studio 54 Theatre. The crowd initially welcomed Harris with enthusiasm and a standing ovation.
What started as a standard post-show interaction with the cast, however, quickly transformed into another memorable moment in Harris’s growing collection of public speaking mishaps. Yes, Harris suffered yet another humiliating “word salad” moment in public. Is this really the kind of leadership Democrats want to showcase?
A Broadway Blunder
The former vice president launched into what critics are calling her signature “word salad” while attempting to deliver an inspirational message to the musical’s performers.
“When we think about these moments where we see things that are being taken, but also let’s see it, you know, nature abhors a vacuum,” Harris told the musical’s cast. “Where there’s a vacancy, let’s fill it. Let us know that the reality is that the progress of our nation has been about the expansion of rights, not the restriction of rights.”
What?!
NEW: Kamala Harris gives inspiring speech to the cast of 'A Wonderful World' on Broadway, inspires by noting how "nature abhors a vacuum."
"When we think about these moments where we see things that are being taken but also let's see it as you know, nature abhors a vacuum."
"So… pic.twitter.com/IinA9ElmLV
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) February 16, 2025
Social media erupted with mockery, with one commentator comparing her to a “drunk auntie” surrounded by people who “get paid to go ‘Mmmm.'” Others simply shared gifs of someone mixing salad – a direct reference to Harris’s well-documented tendency for confusing, circular rhetoric.
Let’s be honest – we’ve seen this movie before, and the sequel isn’t any better. This latest verbal mishap follows a pattern that became familiar during Harris’s tenure as vice president and her brief presidential campaign. Just two weeks ago, she delivered similarly confusing remarks to California firefighters, attempting to discuss community values while managing to say little of substance.
The consistent inability to communicate clearly raises serious questions about leadership capabilities. As one social media user noted, “Literally, the only thing worse than listening to this gobbledygook, is the people around her nodding and clapping, as if she made sense.”
Kamala on LA fires: "As we think about the future, we must, as a society, as a country, invest in adaptation and resilience, and we have to understand these extreme weather occurrences are extreme, but they are increasingly less rare.” 🥴 pic.twitter.com/CAvsX2YEw3
— Sara Rose 🇺🇸🌹 (@saras76) February 7, 2025
Political Future at Stake
If you’re wondering whether California deserves better, you’re not alone. While Harris has not officially announced any future political plans, speculation continues about a potential run for governor of California when current Governor Gavin Newsom reaches his term limit in 2026. The Broadway appearance marks one of her first public outings since leaving the White House last month.
Harris’ warning that she would not “go quietly into the night” after leaving office suggests continued political ambitions. However, these persistent communication issues could present significant challenges for any future campaigns.
The implications extend beyond just one political figure. Clear communication and strong leadership remain essential qualities for anyone seeking to govern effectively. As America faces increasingly complex challenges, the ability to articulate clear solutions becomes more crucial than ever.
In an era where strong leadership and clear communication are paramount, these continued verbal missteps serve as a reminder of why Americans chose a different direction in the 2024 presidential election. While Broadway may be a place for dramatic performances, governance requires clarity, competence, and straightforward communication with citizens.
Key Takeaways:
- Harris’s meandering Broadway speech demonstrates ongoing communication challenges that plagued her vice presidency.
- Democratic leadership continues to struggle with clear messaging to everyday Americans.
- Harris’ potential California gubernatorial ambitions face serious credibility hurdles.
- Conservative governance principles emphasize the importance of clear, direct communication with citizens.
Sources: The New York Post, Fox News