Outrage as Kamala Harris debuts 'pastor' accent at Philadelphia church event

During her recent visit to Pennsylvania, Kamala Harris spoke at the Church of Christian Compassion, a Black Evangelical church in West Philadelphia
Kamala Harris courted Black and Latino voters in Pennsylvania on Sunday, October 27 (Getty Images)
Kamala Harris courted Black and Latino voters in Pennsylvania on Sunday, October 27 (Getty Images)

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA: Vice President Kamala Harris found herself under scrutiny after speaking at the Church of Christian Compassion in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Sunday, October 27.

Social media critics claimed she introduced a "new accent" while addressing the predominantly Black congregation, stirring up heated discussions. 

"BREAKING: Kamala Harris unveils a new accent at a black Philadelphia church," conservative X (formerly Twitter) account End Wokeness posted, sharing a clip from Harris' address.



 

Kamala Harris' Philadelphia church address fuels accent row

During her speech, Kamala Harris emphasized the high stakes of upcoming elections, saying, "In just nine days, voters will have the power to decide the fate of our nation for generations to come."

She added, "Here in Pennsylvania, right now each of us has an opportunity to make a difference. Because in this moment we do face a real question. 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. So let us answer not just with our words, but with our works."



 

Harris invoked the Book of Psalms, quoting, "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," which some critics claimed was an attempt at a "pastor" accent, with comparisons to the cadence of Martin Luther King Jr.

However, this isn’t the first time the Democratic nominee has faced backlash for allegedly shifting her speaking style.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 02: Flanked by labor union leaders, Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris speaks to union workers during a campaign event on September 02, 2024 at Northwestern High School in Detroit, Michigan. Harris is scheduled to host another event in Pennsylvania later in the day. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Kamala Harris previously faced flak for allegedly using a Southern drawl during a Labor Day rally (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Last month, she was similarly critiqued after a Labor Day rally in Detroit, where some claimed she used a "Southern drawl." Fox News' Peter Doocy even pressed White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on the matter, to which she replied, "I have no idea what you’re talking about... The question… is just insane."

Internet blasts Kamala Harris for using 'pastor' accent

Vice President Kamala Harris' appearance at a Philadelphia church service drew backlash for her alleged attempt at using a different accent. 

One wrote, "NEW: Kamala Harris unveils her new 'pastor' accent during a church service in Philadelphia. 'Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the mornin’... joy cometh in the mornin’ and church morning is on its way.' Michigan has 0 to do with Obamas or Jill Stein." 

Another simply called it "the blaccent," while a person asked, "She thinks she’s a preacher now?" 

"Martin Luther Harris," read a tweet, and another person quipped, "The pandering is just freakin hilarious." 

"Imagine listening to 4 years of this," mocked an individual. One more wrote, "Why does she do this? Everyone can see right through this fake c**p, I think it actually hurts her, so keep talking, Kamala." 

"She has an accent for every occasion," stated a netizen. 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online. 

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Donald Trump’s diesel order could lower trucking costs, as diesel powers most commercial trucks and makes up 21% of trucking costs
1 hour ago
'The New York Times, and many other Artificial Media Outlets, should be arrested for their dishonesty and disservice to our Country,' Trump said
1 hour ago
The newly released documents also show that the Biden-era FBI monitored Susie Wiles’ calls with Trump’s lawyers, campaign aides, and journalists
3 hours ago
Thom Tillis called Pete Hegseth 'amateurish' in 2025 and questioned his ability to manage the Pentagon after weapons shipments to Ukraine were paused
3 hours ago
Trump previously defended the use of taxpayer funds for the ads, arguing they were intended to promote the country rather than any political candidate
3 hours ago
Days after the incident, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there were 'strong indications' Iran played a part, though he offered no details
9 hours ago
The posts praised high-profile Democrats, including President Joe Biden and Pennsylvania Gov Josh Shapiro, and advocated for specific political policies, such as raising the minimum wage
10 hours ago
The NAACP filed the case after seeking records on the personnel's legal authority, locations, qualifications and training
10 hours ago
Vice President Vance cites past government ads as White House defends Trump public service announcements
10 hours ago
Trump said his Ohio rally was deliberately undercounted as he challenged coverage while campaigning for Republicans ahead of the November midterms
11 hours ago