Nationwide — Kamala Harris sparked online debate after posting a Thanksgiving video message wherein she appeared with slurred speech and half-closed eyes. Many people, including some experts, are now speculating whether she was tipsy or just exhausted.The video, shared days before Thanksgiving, showed Harris addressing campaign staff, urging them to remember their power and thanking supporters. Her half-closed eyes, long pauses, and animated hand movements caught the attention of viewers and even medical professionals, according to Daily Mail.
Dr. Carole Lieberman, a psychiatrist with experience in addiction, noted her slurred speech, half-closed eyes, and gestures could be signs of alcohol consumption. Emergency medicine expert Dr. Stuart Fischer agreed, pointing out her head movements and slow blinking suggested she might have had a drink before filming.
Meanwhile, both also mentioned that the behavior could be the result of exhaustion, post-election stress, or medication side effects, like those from sleeping pills.
Body language analyst Judi James believed Harris was trying to appear more relatable and emotional, especially after the election loss. She noted that Harris’s gestures and tone seemed more like an attempt to express empathy rather than evidence of being drunk.
This isn’t the first time Harris has faced rumors about alcohol use. Unverified claims about her drinking have surfaced in the past, including accusations from political figures and media outlets. However, some of the viral clips shared online have been edited to exaggerate the situation.