Vice President Kamala Harris returned to Pennsylvania on Sunday. She addressed a church congregation in Philadelphia and quickly faced backlash on social media. Commenters noted her "new accent" during the event.
"BREAKING: Kamala Harris unveils a new accent at a black Philadelphia church," the conservative account "End Wokeness" tweeted, sharing a video of her speech.
At the Church of Christian Compassion, Harris spoke to a mostly Black audience. She urged them that in just nine days, they would "have the power to decide the fate of our nation for generations to come."
"Here in Pennsylvania, right now each of us has an opportunity to make a difference," she stated. "What kind of country do we want to live in? The great thing about living in a democracy is we the people have the choice to answer that question."
Harris referenced the Book of Psalms, saying, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the mornin’. The path may seem hard, the work may seem heavy, but joy cometh in the mornin’ and church morning is on its way."
Critics on social media seized on her Psalm quotes, claiming she debuted a "pastor" accent. They likened her tone to that of Martin Luther King Jr.
Harris has faced similar accusations before. Last month, while addressing the Congressional Black Caucus, some noted a new "accent." During a Labor Day rally in Detroit, one commentator likened her speech to that of "Foghorn Leghorn."
Fox News' Peter Doocy questioned White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre about this perceived change. "Since when does the vice president have what sounds like a Southern accent?" he asked.
Jean-Pierre replied, "I have no idea what you’re talking about." Doocy pressed further, pointing out the tone differences in her speeches in different cities.
Jean-Pierre shot back, emphasizing that the American people care more about pressing issues. "They care about the economy, they care about lowering costs, they care about health care," she stated. "The question – is just insane."