Vice President Kamala Harris appeared on Drew Barrymore's daytime talk show, where Barrymore suggested Harris could be a motherly figure for the nation. "We really all need a tremendous hug," Barrymore said, "but in our country, we need you to be Mamala of the country."
Harris laughed in response, simply saying, "Yeah."
The suggestion sparked ridicule across social media, particularly from political commentators. Brigitte Gabriel of ACT for America bluntly stated on X, "Drew Barrymore is gaslighting, NO ONE wants Kamala Harris to be ‘Momala’ for the country."
Fox News host Will Cain also chimed in, critiquing the parent-like references to political leaders. "Howard Stern refers to Joe Biden as the ‘Father of the Country.’ Drew Barrymore says Kamala needs to be our 'Momala'. Who exactly is in a cult? These people aren’t looking for a leader; they’re looking for surrogate parents," he wrote.
Author Oli London criticized the interview as "cringe worthy and fawning."
The conversation's tone prompted Canadian professor Gad Saad to question its impact. On X, he responded to London’s post, "Is this possible? Could a society delve into such an infantile orgy of mediocrity that this is considered compelling?"
During the show, Harris emphasized the importance of personal empowerment. She discussed never allowing "anybody to take your power" and understanding "what is in your power."
She also addressed her frequent laughter, which has been a topic of discussion before. "You were asking me earlier about what it means to be like the first woman," Harris remarked. "And you know, it's funny because people still gotta get used to this, right?"
Barrymore expressed admiration for Harris's laughter, telling the vice president, "I love your laugh."