Kamala Harris found herself at the center of social media mockery following a speech she delivered on the economy on Wednesday. Speaking at The Economic Club of Pittsburgh, Harris called for Americans to “move past the failed policies” that “we have proven don’t work.” Ironically, this plea to move beyond current policies came from the incumbent vice president herself, sparking a wave of ridicule, particularly from conservative commentators.
In her address, Harris spoke of her “middle-class upbringing” and outlined various policy proposals aimed at strengthening the middle class. These included increasing the tax break for small businesses and offering a $25,000 credit to first-time homebuyers. “When the middle class is strong, America is strong,” she declared. “We just need to move past the failed policies that we have proven don’t work.”
Acceptance is the first step:
“We just need to move past the failed policies that we have proven don't work.” – Kamala Harris pic.twitter.com/iB2SLe55Uh
— Steve Cortes (@CortesSteve) September 25, 2024
This statement quickly became fodder for conservatives online. Many seized on the irony of Harris criticizing policies during an administration that she herself has been a part of for the past four years. Steve Cortes, a former Trump campaign advisor, couldn’t resist a jab, tweeting, “Acceptance is the first step.” Redstate columnist Buzz Patterson added his own quip: “Who wants to tell her?”
Who wants to tell her? https://t.co/ZHKAJ2nytM
— Buzz Patterson (@BuzzPatterson) September 25, 2024
Seth Dillon, CEO of *The Babylon Bee*, went further, humorously suggesting that Harris was inadvertently endorsing Donald Trump, writing, “Kamala Harris says we need to move past the failed policies that don’t work. She’s telling you to vote for Trump. Listen to her.” *LibsofTikTok* joined in the chorus, posting, “New Trump ad just dropped!”
New Trump ad just dropped!
“We just need to move past the failed policies that we have proven don't work." – Kamala Harrispic.twitter.com/B2HdcNRzWu
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) September 25, 2024
The mockery continued from Republican lawmakers as well. Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX) tweeted, “You’re right. The American people are sick and tired of the Harris-Biden Administration’s failed policies. November can’t come soon enough!” The theme of the day, for many critics, was that Harris’s call to abandon failed policies was unwittingly an admission of the administration’s struggles.
Kamala Harris: "We just need to move past the failed policies that we have proven don't work."
You’re right.
The American people are sick and tired of the Harris-Biden Administration’s failed policies.
November can’t come soon enough! pic.twitter.com/Tacnif8S6M
— Congressman Troy E. Nehls (@RepTroyNehls) September 25, 2024
On top of the backlash over her economic comments, Harris also took aim at Trump, calling him “one of the biggest losers ever,” echoing a phrase Biden used on *The View* earlier in the day. However, recent polls show Harris trailing Trump on key issues like the economy and inflation—voters’ top concerns heading into the 2024 election.
Quite the optics today as Harris is out saying we need to move past failed policies while the old man is on The View saying he delegated everything to her in his administration. https://t.co/S19nl7XcNN
— Stephen L. Miller (@redsteeze) September 25, 2024
As the campaign heats up, Harris is focusing more on economic issues, but this latest gaffe might not help her close the gap with voters.