During a campaign speech in Pittsburgh, Vice President Kamala Harris reused a familiar phrase that caught the attention of both supporters and critics.
She stated, “We have dreams. We can see what is possible, unburdened by what has been.” This line, previously used during her visit to Ghana in March 2023, stirred varied reactions on social media.
Origin of the Catchphrase
Harris first used this catchphrase during a speech about innovation in Ghana, where she described innovation as “one’s ability not only to see, but to do things differently” and emphasized “challenging the premise, questioning the status quo, and bold thinking.”
She linked these ideas to her belief in “the pursuit of what can be unburdened by what has been.”
Social Media Reactions to the Speech
The revival of Harris’ catchphrase was quickly noticed on social media, where users created memes and drew comparisons to pop culture moments.
Notably, references were made to a “Simpsons” episode where a character repeatedly uses a catchphrase, and to Leonardo DiCaprio’s character in “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” pointing excitedly at a TV screen.
Recall of Past Remarks
Following the speech, some social media users recalled other notable statements by Harris from previous public appearances, including “you think you fell out of a coconut tree?” and “We did it, Joe!”
These phrases have also been widely circulated and discussed online.
Critical Response from Opponents
A campaign account affiliated with President Trump responded to Harris’ speech by highlighting her use of what they termed a “favorite cringe, recycled line.”
This response illustrates the polarized views of Harris’ rhetorical style among the public and political commentators.
Detailed Background of the Phrase
The line “We can see what is possible, unburdened by what has been” was crafted to inspire and was initially delivered in a context of discussing future possibilities unchained by past limitations.
It reflects Harris’ recurring theme of envisioning a progressive future.
Harris’ Communication Style
Kamala Harris is known for a communication style that some find endearing and others perplexing.
She often simplifies complex topics but may leave her audience puzzled by her explanations, which sometimes include an awkward laugh or ambiguous statements.
The Coconut Tree Comment Explained
In an attempt to discuss equality and community focus, Harris once laughingly remarked, “you think you just fell out of a coconut tree?” during a speech.
This phrase later became a popular meme among her supporters, highlighting the often unexpected nature of her off-the-cuff remarks.
Harris on Community and Individualism
Harris has emphasized the interconnectedness of societal issues, stating that “nothing exists in a silo.”
Her speeches often incorporate themes of community importance alongside individual responsibility, though her illustrative style can sometimes obscure her main points.
Support from ‘K-hive’
Despite the mixed reception to some of her phrases, Harris’ supporters, known informally as the ‘K-hive,’ robustly defend her.
They use her own words to counter criticisms, such as when one member stated, “To anybody who thinks it shouldn’t be Kamala Harris: you do know a new candidate can’t just fall out of a coconut tree, right?”
Allegations of Using Different Accents
Recently, Harris faced accusations from some quarters that she alters her accent to connect with diverse audiences.
This critique was particularly vocal after her speech to a teachers union in Detroit, with some suggesting she adopted an urban accent to relate to the working-class audience.
Preparing for the Presidential Debate
As the election approaches, Vice President Harris is actively campaigning and preparing for an upcoming debate with Donald Trump, scheduled for September 10 in Philadelphia.
Her campaign trail speeches and her distinctive speaking style are likely to be focal points as the debate nears.
