Democratic Party Chair of Wisconsin, Ben Wikler, has mistakenly referred to Vice President Kamala Harris as “President Harris”.
President Kamala Harris?
Wikler’s blunder occurred as he discussed the pressing issues at stake in the 2024 elections prior to Wednesday’s GOP debate, emphasizing the stark contrast between Democratic and Republican approaches. “The issues that propelled these elections are on the table again in 2024, and every one of the Republicans running for president at this moment is wrong on these issues,” Wikler proclaimed.
He cited the state’s experience with former Governor Scott Walker’s eight-year tenure, characterized by what he described as “proto MAGA extremism,” which included attacks on workers’ rights, reproductive freedom, public schools and teachers, and voting rights.
However, the gaffe unfolded when Wikler unexpectedly referred to Harris as “President Harris” during his passionate speech. The slip of the tongue was quickly noticed and raised eyebrows among those present. Still, Wikler appeared to brush off the moment, laughing it off and continuing with his address.
The embarrassing misstep was shared on social media by the Republican National Committee, drawing comparisons to President Joe Biden’s previous instances of similar gaffes.
Just A Joe Biden-ism?
Commenting on the incident, Townhall’s Kevin McMahon noted, “[A]nd here I was thinking this was just a Joe Biden-ism.” Indeed, Biden himself has been prone to such verbal hiccups, leading to criticism on social media each time.
For example, earlier this year, Biden made a similar error when he stated, “President Harris led this effort, led this effort to make this better in the countries from which they are leaving.” He went on to praise her leadership in generating over $3.2 billion from the private sector for job creation in El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala.
In another instance, on Harris’s birthday last year, Biden referred to her as a “great president.”
Such slips are not limited to the present; they have occurred throughout Biden’s career. In 2021, while addressing graduates at the South Carolina State University commencement ceremony, Biden said, “Of course, President Harris is a proud Howard [University] alum.”
Kamala Harris For The High Jump?
The slip-up comes as Kamala Harris’ public popularity has hit crisis-levels, just as the Democrats gear up for 2024 campaigning.
According to new polling from Rasmussen Reports, when likely voters were asked whether Kamala Harris was performing better or worse than previous vice presidents, the results were strikingly unfavorable.
There have even been claims Biden could boot Harris out of the Naval Observatory, should he win in 2024.
However, despite these suggestions gaining traction, Biden has demonstrated no intentions of altering his choice.
A recent memo to supporters reinforced his commitment to Kamala Harris, claiming that her selection was “one of the best decisions I made” and that she remains “the perfect choice.”
Georgia Gilholy is a journalist based in the United Kingdom who has been published in Newsweek, The Times of Israel, and the Spectator. Gilholy writes about international politics, culture, and education.
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