Criticism of Kamala Harris on July 4th Statement

Critics have targeted former Vice President Kamala Harris for a somewhat gloomy statement she made on July 4th.

“This July 4th, I’m reflecting a bit. Things are tough right now. They might get worse before they get better,” Harris stated in a post on Friday.

She added, “But I love our country. And when you care about something, you fight for it. Together, we keep fighting for the ideals that this nation holds dear.”

Social media users quickly noticed the image associated with her post, which featured Doug Emhoff, the Second Gentleman, enjoying a fireworks display. Notably, President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden were cropped out of the image.

“Kamala cuts out Joe, which is quite iconic,” remarked Link Lauren, a former adviser to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s presidential campaign, sharing another shot from the White House balcony that captured the couple’s feet.

Another user quipped, “Is the hose elbow on the right?”

Some commenters were unsettled by the negative tone of her holiday message.

“I would never post on July 4th with a message like ‘it’s going to get worse’,” criticized Republican National Committee spokesperson Kiesen Pers.

Other social media users echoed these sentiments, with one noting, “This is why you’re not president,” while another suggested she just “enjoy the day.”

“America is stronger than ever,” added another user, paraphrasing the VP’s common themes.

Mark Simone, a radio host, remarked, “Harris sets a new low for July 4th messages.”

Meanwhile, some commenters interpreted her emphasis on “fight” as indicative of her future political goals.

“I think he’s definitely running in 2028,” commented one user, while Trump ally Mike Davis added, “Don’t stop fighting, Kamala! Run again in 2028.”

California Democrats have been relatively quiet following their significant loss to Donald Trump in the 2024 election.

In April, Harris delivered an unusual keynote speech at her 20th anniversary gala in San Francisco, criticizing the Trump administration’s policies without naming the former president directly.

Recent polling indicates her support for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination may be waning. An Emerson College poll from last month showed only 13% backing for Harris in the primary, compared to 16% for other candidates, including former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

Just a few months prior, in November, 37% had still supported Harris.

While other surveys indicate a higher approval rating, support for her candidacy appears mixed, with a March poll revealing 36% of independent voters leaning Democratic backing her in the primary. However, another survey showed less enthusiasm for her potential gubernatorial run in California next year.

Insiders have suggested that Harris will make a decision regarding her political future by the end of summer.