Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) upbraided Vice President Kamala Harris by suggesting her verbal communication skills need improvement after listening to her June 20 speech at the 2023 Essence Festival of Culture.
He referred to a segment from Harris’ address that was widely perceived as less than articulate as she tried to define culture, according to a report from The Daily Wire.
The Lousiana Republican opined the vice president should be more authentic in her verbal expressions, stating that being “true to herself” would enhance the clarity and effectiveness of her public addresses.
“She’s struggling for a couple of reasons,” Kennedy said about the vice president’s many publicized speeches that end up being called “word salad.” “Number one, she doesn’t appear to be prepared.”
“Number two, no matter how well-prepared you are, you have to be able to express yourself,” he continued. “And with respect, I would say the vice president needs to work on being a little more articulate.”
“Some might say that based on her performances that English is not her first, second, third, or even fourth language.”
The senator further advised that anyone speaking publicly should “always be yourself, unless you suck.” If that is the case, he advised trying to be better. Kennedy said he has the impression Harris is not being herself.
“She’s trying to sound smart instead of just saying what she believes and saying it in a clear articulate manner that the average American who’s busy can understand,” Kennedy said.
The video of Harris’ speech at the Essence Festival of Culture garnered significant attention, with critics questioning the vice president’s ability to communicate effectively.
Sen. Kennedy’s critique resonates with many who believe that those occupying positions of national leadership should exhibit a high degree of verbal articulation, according to an American Wire News report.
This is not the first time that Harris has been critiqued and found wanting for her public speaking.
Harris has a track record of inarticulate statements and has faced criticism for what some perceive as a lack of preparation in her public addresses.
Kennedy’s recent comments add to the ongoing conversation about the vice president’s communication skills.
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