Well, folks, it seems our esteemed Vice President Kamala Harris has once again proven that even the highest-ranking officials in our government are capable of foot-in-mouth moments. At what should have been a solemn occasion honoring the late Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, we instead got a glimpse into what might be Harris’s not-so-secret ambitions. But let’s put aside the snark and dive into the facts of this high-profile gathering in Houston, where political heavyweights came together to remember a long-serving Democratic representative.
A Gathering of Democratic Luminaries
The funeral service for Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, who passed away on July 19 at the age of 74, drew a who’s who of Democratic Party leadership to Houston. Among the notable attendees were former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, underscoring the significance of Jackson Lee’s nearly three-decade tenure in the House of Representatives.
Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a eulogy that highlighted Jackson Lee’s contributions, particularly her work in making Juneteenth a federal holiday. However, it was during this tribute that Harris made her now-infamous slip of the tongue.
The Gaffe Heard ‘Round the World
In what has become a viral moment, Vice President Harris stumbled over her words while discussing her involvement with the Juneteenth legislation:
“Which as a US Senator, I was proud to co-sponsor and then as presi–” Harris quickly caught herself, amending, “As vice president it was my honor – with the president! With the president!”
The crowd’s reaction was immediate and enthusiastic, with cheers erupting at Harris’s accidental self-promotion. While some may view this as a simple slip of the tongue, others see it as a revealing moment of Harris’s potential aspirations.
Remembering Sheila Jackson Lee
Despite the unintended distraction, the eulogy did serve its primary purpose of honoring Rep. Jackson Lee’s legacy. Harris spoke warmly of her relationship with the late congresswoman:
“Sheila Jackson Lee was a woman of deep faith and deep compassion. She was a proud member of our beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and she was a dear, dear friend to my husband Doug and me,” Harris said, highlighting the personal connection between the two politicians.
The Vice President also emphasized Jackson Lee’s role as a coalition builder and her efforts to work across various communities, including the Jewish community in Houston.
The Broader Significance
While the gaffe has dominated headlines, the gathering itself speaks to the influence and respect Jackson Lee commanded within the Democratic Party. Harris and other speakers praised her work on issues such as civil rights and social justice, painting a picture of a dedicated public servant who left a lasting impact on American politics.
The presence of the Clintons and other high-profile Democrats also underscores the party’s unity in honoring one of their own, even as they navigate the complexities of the current political landscape and look ahead to future elections.
Sources:
- Kamala Harris accidentally calls herself ‘the president’ during late Dem Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee’s eulogy — causing crowd to go wild
- Kamala Harris accidentally calls herself ‘president’ during eulogy for late Dem Rep Sheila Jackson Lee
- Kamala Harris accidentally calls herself ‘president’ and the crowd’s reaction is wild
- Friends and family share memories at Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee’s funeral
- An “unrelenting” Sheila Jackson Lee remembered by Kamala Harris, former colleagues
More from Around the Web:
Final farewell for Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, dead at 74
Harris slips up:
Kamala Harris accidentally calls herself 'president' during eulogy for late Dem Rep Sheila Jackson Lee https://t.co/h7691eXTTC
— Fox News (@FoxNews) August 2, 2024
VP Kamala Harris arrives to deliver a eulogy for Sheila Jackson Lee:
VP Kamala Harris arrives to deliver a eulogy for Sheila Jackson Lee. pic.twitter.com/dIExDQD6HZ
— Victor Jacobo (@victorjacobo_) August 1, 2024
Eulogy, or campaign speech?
🚨 WATCH: Kamala Harris accidentally refers to herself as ‘the President’ while disgracefully turning the late Dem Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee’s eulogy into a campaign speech.
DISGRACEFUL!
pic.twitter.com/dBt1jNKPcO— Proud Elephant 🇺🇸🦅 (@ProudElephantUS) August 1, 2024