Vice President Kamala Harris recently addressed the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks, delivering a speech that has since drawn criticism from various commentators. Critics derided the speech, with some calling it a "word salad" and questioning the appropriateness of the appearance.
During her remarks, Harris told the Sparks they were making an "incredible impact" on the country. "I travel our country. Young girls, boys, people of every gender background, race, watch the ‘W’, and understand how inspiring it is," Harris stated. She added, "So keep doing what you're doing. You guys are impacting people who you may never meet... they are aware of what you are. And it is giving them a sense of their value, their dignity, and what they have a right to expect from this world -- so congratulations on this game, but congratulations as much as anything else for the path you guys are charting. It is extraordinary to watch."
Commentators like Outkick founder Clay Travis described Harris's remarks as making "zero sense." Other critics online echoed this sentiment, with one user writing, "She's like a party clown at this point," and another stating, "Total mystery how this person lost every swing state."
The criticism has also been framed around a perceived double standard. Some commentators have drawn a comparison to the public reaction when FBI Director Kash Patel addressed the U.S. Olympic Men’s Hockey Team after their victory over Canada. Former University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines noted on Fox News that while Patel was reportedly ridiculed by "Harris’ ideological flank" for his appearance in the locker room, she questioned if there would be similar outrage directed at Harris for her WNBA remarks.
This incident follows a pattern where Harris has faced scrutiny for public statements. Critics have previously characterized some of her remarks as circuitous or vague, labeling them as "delusional word salad nonsense."