A TikTok video recently sparked a wave of controversy, with claims that U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris appeared intoxicated, or “hammered,” during a campaign event. The video, initially shared by TikTok user @theredpillpatriot on September 23, 2024, showed Harris speaking slowly, leading some viewers to question her sobriety. However, this claim has since been debunked as the video was altered, with the original unedited footage showing no signs of intoxication.
The viral clip, which quickly spread across various social media platforms, was edited to make it appear as though Harris was struggling to articulate her thoughts during a speech at an event in Atlanta, Georgia, on September 20, 2024. The unaltered footage of the event, available on Kamala Harris’ official YouTube channel, reveals that her speech was delivered at a normal pace and contained no signs of impairment.
TikTok Video Proven to Be Misleading
The claim made by TikTok user @theredpillpatriot, alleging that Harris was “hammered,” gained traction when the video was shared with the caption, “She is hammered. This is insane!” In the altered footage, Harris is seen speaking slowly, prompting the user to speculate that she was under the influence of alcohol. The TikTok user further suggested that Harris often relies on notes or pre-scripted responses and appeared “sloshed” during the event.
However, the video was proven to be fabricated. On September 23, 2024, the same TikTok user admitted that the video had been slowed down for entertainment purposes. While making unverified claims about the Vice President, the user acknowledged that the footage had been edited, undermining the original accusation.
Original Footage Disproves the Claim
The original, unedited video of Kamala Harris’ speech can be viewed on her official YouTube channel. In the unaltered footage, Harris delivers the same remarks in real-time, without any of the slurred or slow speech portrayed in the doctored video. The edited segment focused on a portion of her speech about reproductive rights, where she discussed abortion laws and their impact on women’s healthcare.
In response to the viral TikTok post, users on X (formerly Twitter) and other platforms also began sharing the doctored video. A user named @TrueJMitchell reposted the TikTok clip with the caption, “The Red Pill Patriot has something to say about drunk Kamala Harris.” However, fact-checkers, including X’s Community Notes, quickly debunked the claims, linking to the original footage and confirming the video had been manipulated.
The Broader Context of the Speech
Kamala Harris’ speech in Atlanta, Georgia, focused on the importance of protecting abortion rights in the upcoming elections. Harris, who has been a vocal advocate for reproductive rights, emphasized the consequences of restrictive abortion laws and the need for voters to be aware of the stakes. The speech was part of her broader campaign to rally support on critical issues ahead of the November 2024 presidential elections.
As of now, Kamala Harris has not publicly addressed the viral video, and President Joe Biden, who endorsed Harris for the presidency earlier this year, has not commented on the matter. Biden’s endorsement came after his decision to withdraw from the 2024 election race in July.
In conclusion, the viral TikTok video claiming Kamala Harris was intoxicated at a campaign event has been thoroughly debunked. The altered footage misled viewers, and the original video confirms that the Vice President was in full control during her speech. This incident highlights the dangers of misinformation and the importance of verifying content before spreading unsubstantiated claims online.