During a eulogy for the late Democratic Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, Vice President Kamala Harris inadvertently referred to herself as “the president,” causing a notable stir among the attendees. The slip-up quickly became a focal point, with reactions from the crowd and the incident itself gaining widespread attention on social media.
On August 1, Kamala Harris delivered a tribute at a Houston church, where she was joined by prominent Democratic figures including Bill and Hillary Clinton. In her address, Harris highlighted Jackson Lee’s significant contributions, such as her efforts in establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday, reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act, and advocating for LGBTQ rights.
“Then, as president — as vice president — it was my honor, with the president. With the president!”
AWKWARD: Kamala Harris “accidentally” blurts out she is the president while at the eulogy for Sheila Jackson Lee.
The crowd’s reaction is ridiculous. pic.twitter.com/tVAFUdqUTk
— Kyle Becker (@kylenabecker) August 2, 2024
Kamala Harris spoke warmly of Jackson Lee’s legacy, noting, “It was Sheila Jackson Lee whose bill made Juneteenth a federal holiday.” She recounted moments spent alongside Lee and President Biden during the signing of the landmark legislation. However, in the midst of her speech, Harris accidentally referred to herself as “presi—” before catching the mistake and correcting herself.
“To clarify, as vice president, it was my honor – with the president! With the president!” she corrected, prompting cheers and applause from the audience. She continued, “It was my honor – it was my honor, with our president Joe Biden to stand beside Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee as our president signed her bill into law.”
The video of the incident quickly went viral, sparking a range of reactions online. Some critics accused Democratic members of politicizing the funeral, while others speculated whether the slip might have been deliberate. Supporters, however, seized on the moment, with some social media users playfully referring to Harris as the president.
Comments on social media varied widely: “Why is she turning a funeral into a rally? That’s just wrong!!!” one user wrote. Another commented, “Yes, she is the president.” Some questioned if the slip was intentional, with one user suggesting, “Not an accident – Biden is gone and even he calls Kamala President. She was installed by Obama.”
Sheila Jackson Lee, who passed away from pancreatic cancer on July 19 at the age of 74, was remembered for her nearly three decades of service since her first term in 1995. As President Biden prepares to step down to run for re-election in 2024, Harris is poised to succeed him, with the White House affirming that Biden will complete his current term before the election.
