Kamala Harris was hit by a barrage of memes after she released a bizarre video message in which she slurred her words and appeared blue-eyed.
Many on social media wondered if the vice president was drunk and shared edited clips of her holding a bottle of liquor as she delivered the unusual speech.
Now doctors are also concerned about whether Harris – who has faced unsubstantiated rumors about her drinking in the past – was tipsy.
In a rare appearance since losing the 2024 presidential election, the VP, 60, last night filmed a video from California in which she told campaign staff they still “had the same power” despite the loss to Donald Trump.
Dr. Carole Lieberman, a psychiatrist who has worked with alcoholics, told DailyMail.com after watching the video that she could not rule out that Harris was under the influence.
She pointed to the vice president’s half-closed eyes, slightly slurred speech and exaggerated emphasis on hand movements, and said these were all signs she might have had something to drink.
Dr. Stuart Fishcer, an emergency room doctor in New York City, added that her head movements also suggested she had been drinking alcohol.
The experts said other factors, such as shame over the loss or exhaustion, could also play a role, although they pointed out that it has now been 22 days since the election.
Doctors who spoke to DailyMail.com said it appeared Kamala Harris was drunk in the statement thanking supporters for their efforts
They also raised the possibility that this could be the result of secret medications that the VP is taking, for example using sleeping pills.
In addition, body language experts told DailyMail.com that her bizarre pose was an attempt to appear sympathetic and express honest human emotions.
Harris was at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco, California, on Tuesday afternoon after a six-day R&R vacation to Hawaii.
Kamala appeared in 13 minutes call from the national base with Tim Walz to thank campaign staff for their work, which was then posted as a 28 second clip on the Democrats’ official X page.
Dr. Fischer said, “She’s not really drunk, but that’s definitely the right word (tipsy).
‘She speaks a bit slurred and there was also a movement of her head, a kind of bobbing movement as if you are being calmed by an intoxicant, but you still have to give a serious speech.
“I don’t think this is exhaustion or anything else. No, this isn’t just days later, this is days and days after the election.”
Dr. Fischer pointed out that Harris took long pauses during which she closed her eyes.
He said this seemed unusual to him because a standard blink would only last between 100 and 150 milliseconds.
When drunk, people tend to blink less because alcohol acts as a depressant and slows down the activity of the nervous system, including the natural reflex to blink.
The doctors also highlighted the moment when Harris held her hands to her chest for six seconds and then leaned back in her chair.
Both doctors said that these slow and delayed movements, as well as the more relaxed position of her hands, were signs that she may have been drinking.
Experts quickly responded online, saying the video was embarrassing
The post on the Democrats’ page was flooded with comments asking whether Kamala had been drinking
At another point, she also seems to slur her speech when she says, “I just need to remind you… (two-second pause)… never let anyone take your power from you.”
And again, when she says, ‘And you have the same goal… (one second pause)… that you did… (three second pause)… and you have the same… (two second pause) … ability… (pause for a second)… to engage and inspire.’
Dr. Lieberman said, “There are a lot of videos online that are photoshopped to make her look worse (more drunk), but even the way she looks in the non-photoshopped videos shows that she is drunk.
‘WWhen you’re drunk, you’re less inhibited, and that’s what we’re seeing here.”
Body language analyst Judi James, however, had a different opinion, saying the video clearly showed Harris had difficulty expressing honest human emotions.
She said: ‘This was a very elaborate speech that combines Harris’ talent for the word salad with her signature body language rituals that try to convince you that you are listening to some extremely profound, motivating thoughts and messages.’
She said that rather than being drunk, Harris almost strove to show emotion about the loss and empathy for her supporters.
“Her gestures are largely limp, including the wiggling finger, which implies a weaker impression than her words,” James said.
Democratic presidential candidate, US Vice President Kamala Harris, calls on voters to make last-minute campaign with the Democratic National Committee
Kamala has previously faced unverified accusations that she has a drinking problem, including from Trump 2024 political director James Blair.
He posted on
In late September, Kamala was also accused of being drunk at a rally in Atlanta, Georgia, after video of her appearing to speak slowly was circulated.
But analysis quickly suggested this clip was edited to make Harris appear “hammered.”
Saturday Night Live also suggested that Harris had a drinking problem in October, after an actress playing the vice president held and refilled a large glass of red wine.
Commenting on the video on the Democrats’ X Page, one user said: ‘Is this a… joke? It’s a terrible video.’
Another said: ‘Why would the Democrats pull this video from an obviously drunk Kamala?’ They want her career over.’, and a third said: ‘Be honest… is she drunk?’.
Tim Walz, Kamala’s vice presidential candidate, appeared first on the call, where he seriously thanked the staff for their efforts and said it had been a “privilege of a lifetime.”
But a step change was needed when Kamala showed up, starting with “thank you Tim, back to your brother, you are such an extraordinary leader.”