A recent interaction between a CNN reporter and a young boy during a political segment has gone viral, bringing plenty of laughs across social media. During the segment, which was part of a project aiming to gauge how children perceive the current political landscape, the reporter asked the boy, “What is the first word that pops into your head when you hear ‘Kamala Harris?’”
Without hesitation, the boy responded with one word: “Liar!”
CNN reporter: “What’s the first word that pops into your head when you think of Kamala Harris”
Kid: “Liar”
Excellent job, mom and dad!pic.twitter.com/WwNRWzEeSY
— Addison Smith (@AddisonSmithTV) September 26, 2024
The candid and unfiltered reaction quickly became a viral moment, entertaining viewers who found humor in the child’s blunt response. The segment was part of a larger CNN project that sought to gather insights from young children across the U.S. on their thoughts about the 2024 election, offering a unique—and often amusing—perspective on today’s political climate.
CNN’s project, which interviewed 80 elementary school students from Arizona, New Jersey, and Texas, aimed to highlight the varying political views of children based on their environment and upbringing. The results were a mix of humorous, surprising, and insightful answers, reflecting the political biases that even young Americans hold.
For example, responses about President Trump ranged from enthusiastic support to intense criticism. One child in May proudly shouted, “Go America!” when Trump was mentioned, while others were far more critical. Kamala Harris, too, faced a mix of reactions. While some children from Democrat-leaning households described her as “inspiring,” others, like the boy who called her a “liar,” showcased more negative opinions, particularly in red states like Texas.
According to the project, children’s political views often mirrored the perspectives of their parents. Kids from Democratic households in New Jersey were more likely to express support for Harris and disdain for Trump. Meanwhile, in more conservative areas like Texas, children were generally more favorable toward Trump and critical of Harris.
In an interesting finding, some kids even rationalized Trump’s controversial behavior, with one boy drawing a historical comparison to figures like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, suggesting that despite their flaws, they still made significant contributions to the country.
As the 2024 election approaches, this playful yet revealing glimpse into how children perceive political leaders underscores just how deeply political views can be shaped by family and environment, even at a young age.