Kamala Harris 'Drinking Problem' Rumors: Unfounded Claims Resurface

Are unsubstantiated allegations of a "drinking problem" against Vice President Kamala Harris gaining traction, or are they simply the latest volley in a politically charged information war? Despite a lack of credible evidence, these rumors, often disseminated by Republican supporters, continue to surface, raising questions about the nature of political discourse in the digital age.

The persistent circulation of these claims, frequently amplified on social media platforms, has brought renewed scrutiny to Vice President Harris's public appearances. Reports of her alleged intoxication have gained significant attention, particularly following her address to Wisconsin Democratic campaign teams ahead of the 2024 election. The videos circulating online have triggered a heated debate, with critics alleging signs of impairment and supporters dismissing the claims as politically motivated attacks.

Full Name	Kamala Devi Harris
Date of Birth	October 20, 1964
Place of Birth	Oakland, California, U.S.
Political Party	Democratic
Education	Howard University (B.A.) University of California, Hastings College of the Law (J.D.)
Career Highlights	District Attorney of San Francisco (2004-2011) Attorney General of California (2011-2017) United States Senator from California (2017-2021) Vice President of the United States (2021-Present)
Key Initiatives	Combating Climate Change Criminal Justice Reform Voting Rights Economic Empowerment
Notable Legislation	Combating Hate Crimes Act COVID-19 relief efforts Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
Official Website	The White House - Vice President Kamala Harris

The proliferation of these claims underscores a worrying trend of weaponizing misinformation within the political sphere. During her campaign for the 2020 election, and more recently in anticipation of the upcoming 2024 election, the attacks have intensified. These accusations are not new, but their persistence demands a closer examination of the tactics employed to undermine public trust and shape perceptions of political figures.

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The allegations, which have been circulating for some time, appear to be gaining momentum, particularly amongst certain segments of the electorate. Online discussions, often characterized by partisan viewpoints, have focused on perceived inconsistencies in Vice President Harriss public appearances. These discussions, fuelled by the anonymity of social media, allow rumors to flourish and be amplified, regardless of their veracity. The swift spread of these claims highlights the challenges in combating disinformation in an era of instant communication.

One example of the spread of misinformation is a digitally manipulated video, which purports to show the Vice President in an impaired state. In other instances, critics have pointed to instances of Harris's speeches in Atlanta or at other campaign events, and have focused on minor physical actions as evidence of intoxication. These tactics, often designed to mislead and cast doubt, are amplified by the rapid-fire nature of social media, making it challenging to effectively counter the spread of false narratives.

The rhetoric employed by her detractors includes the use of loaded language, such as referring to a "drinking problem". Similar baseless accusations were made in 2020 about Harris after Thanksgiving 2019. These allegations are frequently accompanied by suggestive imagery and edited video clips, often intended to create a specific narrative regardless of the reality. This strategy often exploits the potential of confirmation bias, where individuals are inclined to accept information that reinforces their existing beliefs.

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Notably, former president Donald Trump has also weighed in on these rumors, using terms such as "lunatic" and questioning whether Vice President Harris had a problem with alcohol or drugs. These public statements have brought more attention to the rumours. Such attacks not only seek to undermine her reputation, but also to distract from policy debates and the substantive issues at stake.

The emergence of these narratives is amplified by the intense focus on personal attacks and character assassinations. These rumours are primarily spread by republican supporters. While it is difficult to definitively trace the origins of these claims, their rapid propagation suggests the involvement of coordinated efforts to amplify them across multiple platforms. The alleged claims also include the altered videos and images to support claims.

The allegations and their spread also have to do with the upcoming election. The rumors are coming to focus as the campaign heats up. The tactics being used highlight the sophistication and the resources some political groups have access to. The rapid dissemination of the claims, coupled with the intensity of the scrutiny, underscores the power of misinformation to shape political opinions and perceptions.

The allegations regarding Vice President Harris are a symptom of a larger problem: the erosion of trust in credible information sources. In the absence of objective, verified information, rumour and conjecture fill the void. This scenario creates opportunities for political opponents and actors to plant seeds of doubt and undermine faith in political leaders.

There are reports of digitally slowed down video footage, used to make her appear intoxicated. A video clip has gone viral on social media, claiming to show Vice President Harris drunk while discussing being a joyful warrior. Some social media users have also been sharing a photo of Harris, falsely claiming she is drunk, staggering and being confrontational. An altered video clip, from a campaign rally in Philadelphia, was also shared with misleading claims.

Misinformation Techniques	Examples and Descriptions
Altered Video Clips	Videos are digitally manipulated to slow down speech, exaggerate physical movements, or add visual effects, creating the impression of intoxication or impairment.
Edited Photos	Images are altered or taken out of context to depict the subject in compromising situations, suggesting drunkenness or erratic behavior.
Selective Information	Focusing on certain anecdotes, misinterpreted body language, or out-of-context quotes to create a narrative that supports the claim of a "drinking problem".
Rumor Amplification	Spreading rumors without providing any evidence.
False Claims	Spreading false statements.

In 2019, when Harris was still a candidate for president, a video of her was digitally altered, making her appear to be too intoxicated to stand up. The user posted the video on X with a caption that read "Kamala Harris appears to be too intoxicated to stand up. This is getting bad." It wasn't the only instance of such attacks.

Amidst the claims, another fact that has been established is Harris's campaign had $377 million on hand heading into August. The financial backing would help in combating such rumours and propaganda, while also strengthening her position within the campaign and with voters.

The claims typically lack substantial evidence, and are often based on anecdotal accounts or misinterpretations of public appearances. On Friday, April 18, 2025, a question was raised in the public, Was Vice President Kamala Harris too intoxicated to stand up at the democratic national convention? The question was raised because, according to sources, Harris was receiving applause at the moment and was not expected to stand.

In cleveland, a newly released video generated confusion among users. Byron York noted that some have questioned whether she had been drinking. Such questions are expected, especially when the information is available to public on social media. The frequency of the rumours is a problem that Harris faced.

It is important to differentiate between legitimate criticism and unfounded attacks. The repetition and amplification of these unsubstantiated claims reflect a broader societal issue. It underscores the urgent need for media literacy and the critical examination of information, particularly in the context of political campaigns. As the 2024 election approaches, the need for accurate, verified information is paramount.

Ultimately, whether the allegations are true or not is less important than the intent behind their propagation. The use of misinformation to damage a political opponent has become a standard tactic in the modern political landscape. The Vice President's campaign team has not issued a direct response to these claims, it is important for people to be wary of the intent behind the rumours.