Outrage as Kamala Harris appears on Vogue cover while Florida deals with dual hurricanes

WASHINGTON, DC: Vice President Kamala Harris, 59, has found herself in the center of a social media storm after appearing on Vogue's digital cover on Friday, October 11.

While the cover might have been a moment of pride, the timing has sparked outrage. The backdrop of her feature comes as Florida reels from the devastation caused by back-to-back hurricanes—Helene and Milton—that have left neighborhoods in ruins and claimed nearly 230 and 16 lives respectively.

Kamala Harris stars in Vogue cover amid Helene and Milton’s tragedy

Kamala Harris’s recent Vogue cover is under fresh scrutiny as the nation grapples with the aftermath of devastating hurricanes. The Vice President appeared in a stylish Gabriela Hearst suit, accessorized with her iconic $800 Tiffany & Co pearl earrings.

While the cover labeled her “the candidate for our times,” many observers criticized the heavily airbrushed photos, suggesting they gave her an artificial appearance and even likened them to AI-generated art.

The impact of the hurricanes has been staggering. Evacuees began returning on Friday to confront the daunting task of clearing debris from homes destroyed by the storms, which flooded streets and left millions without power.

With at least 230 reported injuries and 16 fatalities linked to the storms, damage extended from tornado-stricken Southeast Florida to the battered Southwest Coast, affecting areas such as Tampa Bay and reaching the Atlantic Coast. As of Friday afternoon, over 2.25 million power outages were reported, a slight improvement from the initial 3 million at the peak of the crisis.

What is 'Vogue curse'?

However, the Vogue cover was not well received with some calling it a potential political omen—the so-called “Vogue curse.” The term gained momentum after First Lady Jill Biden graced the magazine’s cover on July 1, 2024.

Just three weeks later, President Joe Biden withdrew from the presidential race. Social media users quickly drew parallels between the two events, with some fearing the Democratic presidential nominee Harris may be the next high-profile figure to fall victim to this supposed curse.

“Vogue cover means curse in 2024,” tweeted Connecticut-based portfolio manager Andrew Fisher, referencing Jill's cover and stoking fears of the same fate befalling Harris.

“Remember the last time Vogue featured Dr Jill on the cover? Just days later, Joe was out. Is this what they call the Vogue curse?” per Daily Mail. Fisher wasn’t alone in his sentiment, with others mocking Harris for her Vogue appearance and suggesting her political future may now be in jeopardy.

This isn’t Harris’ first time on the cover of Vogue. In 2021, she posed in a much more casual look—donning her signature Converse sneakers, a black suit jacket, skinny jeans, and a white T-shirt. However, the current political and environmental landscape has cast a much different light on her latest feature.

Kamala Harris faces backlash for Vogue cover

Vice President Kamala Harris finds herself at the center of a social media firestorm with her Vogue cover.

"The de@th toll from Hurricane Helene has reached nearly 230 lives with thousands still missing while Kamala Harris poses for the Vogue Magazine cover (photo take on on Oct 7)," tweeted a user.

"Why is every Vogue cover they do of her so bad??? She’s a beautiful woman! And why did they make her head so small? This editing is just very horrible," said a user.

"She is the most self-centered person I have ever witnessed run for office," a third said.

"Disgraceful," read a tweet.

"Now we know what she was doing…," penned a user.

"Incredible photoshop job," claimed a user.

Another added, "My trust quickly fades when I see someone or some entity prop this woman up as competent or the best thing for the country."

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