Kamala Harris on “Hope” as a Verb
Kamala Harris, who hasn’t found success in her 2024 bid for the Democratic presidential nomination, recently suggested that the word “hope” should be transformed into a verb. This raises an interesting question, though—it’s actually already used that way.
Hope functions as both a noun and a verb.
During her appearance on a podcast hosted by Don Lemon, which wasn’t referenced in a recent article, her statement gained traction online. Numerous users on social media quickly highlighted this comment, sharing audio snippets across various platforms.
One user pointed out, “It’s a noun. ‘I hope she never runs for government office again.'” They added, “And that’s a verb: ‘I hope she never runs for any government office again.'”
This verbal misstep occurred amidst her broader remarks on maintaining positivity after facing challenges, a context that some critics labeled as a typical example of Kamala Harris’s “word salad.”
Maybe she was reflecting on her defeat to Donald Trump after her tenure as vice president.
Here’s a snippet of what she said:
I truly believe that we all have light within us. It’s important to recognize that what inspires our hope comes from both within and outside. Let’s embrace that light and not allow elections or individuals to overshadow it. Instead, let’s let it guide us, especially in difficult times, and encourage each other to act on that hope. At this moment, it’s crucial not just to hope but to recognize that it should be a verb.
As the video circulated widely, many jumped at the chance to respond with biting humor.
One individual commented, “When your teacher asks for a 300-word essay and you can only muster 100.” Another remarked, “A nice word salad that can be summed up with two words: Stay positive.”
Lemon did ask Harris about her intentions for the 2028 presidential race.
She replied, “Honestly, I haven’t made a decision yet,” keeping her options open. “I’ve been traveling a lot, and I think people want leaders willing to take risks rather than just being popular,” she added.
Some online commentators speculated about her potential candidacy, but not necessarily in a favorable light.
One user noted, “The only thing that was missing was ‘…and we wait for that hope every day.’ Same repetitive lines. She’s beyond repair. I hope she tries running again.”
