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
PUBLISHED OCT 28, 2024
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

ESTA applicants may face expanded data collection, with travelers required to provide phone numbers from the past decade as well as family details
11 hours ago
Texas Rep Keith Self warned that broken promises on digital currency and abortion language could jeopardize final passage of the NDAA
12 hours ago
Stevens cited halted cancer trials and rising measles cases, but the move was expected to remain symbolic as the House was unlikely to advance it
12 hours ago
Judges Gregory Katsas and Neomi Rao said that the policy reflected military judgment and constitutional precedent
1 day ago
The measures will restrict ICE actions at schools, hospitals, and courthouses, while expanding privacy safeguards and legal avenues for migrants
1 day ago
Jeff Merkley and Catherine Cortez Masto introduced the 'Change Corruption Act', which sought to ban living presidents from appearing on US currency
1 day ago
The 85,000 visas revoked in 2025 is more than twice the number of those that were canceled last year
1 day ago
Crockett said: 'Now, there are those who say, ‘Ain’t no way, we done tried this 50 kinds of ways.’ Let me be clear: Y’all ain’t never tried it the JC way.'
2 days ago
Donald Trump’s aid program, aimed at stabilizing agriculture, includes $11 billion in one‑time USDA payments to help growers facing rising costs
2 days ago
Republicans are divided as the ACA subsidy deadline nears, with millions at risk of higher premiums if subsidies expire
2 days ago