Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a message of resilience and empowerment to her supporters in a post-election video on Nov. 26, following her defeat to Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential race. Introduced by her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Harris acknowledged the challenges of the loss but emphasized the importance of grassroots efforts. “The election didn’t turn out like we wanted it to, but the work we put in was about empowering people,” she said, aiming to inspire her base for the future.

The video, shared widely online, quickly became the subject of controversy as right-wing commentators speculated about Harris’ demeanor, suggesting without evidence that she may have been intoxicated during the recording. Critics seized on her tone and delivery, drawing comparisons to earlier viral photos of Harris drinking wine during a family gathering. “She’s trying to sound inspiring but ends up saying absolutely nothing,” one user wrote on X, while others dismissed the speculation as a manufactured narrative to distract from Trump’s ongoing legal issues.

Despite the online chatter, Harris’ speech reflected a broader effort to maintain morale among her supporters. She urged Americans to remain hopeful despite the political shift, stating, “If this is a dark time, let us fill the sky with the light of a brilliant billion stars.” Her remarks echoed the tone of her concession speech earlier in the month, delivered at Howard University, where she called for unity and perseverance.

The 2024 election marked a decisive victory for Trump, who won 312 Electoral College votes to Harris’ 226 and captured the national popular vote. His return to the White House comes despite ongoing legal battles, including a civil judgment against him for defaming E. Jean Carroll and a criminal conviction for falsifying business records in connection to hush money payments. These cases remain points of contention for his critics, who argue they highlight ethical concerns overshadowing his political comeback.

As Harris transitions from her role as vice president, her message underscores the resilience of her supporters and the Democratic Party. While some detractors focused on her personal moments, others praised her ability to maintain composure and deliver a hopeful vision in the face of defeat. The juxtaposition of these reactions reflects the polarized political climate as the nation braces for Trump’s second term.