Kamala Harris Upstages Israel President at White House with Bizarre Spectacle
Ahead of Israeli President Isaac Herzog's meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House, Herzog underscored the "dire and grave" conditions facing Israel.
“Just two hours ago, two Israelis were killed in rocket attacks from Lebanon in the northern town of Nahariya, a beautiful seashore town in northern Israel,” Herzog told the media prior to the meeting, per a White House transcript.
“Earlier today, a kindergarten teacher bravely and wisely rescued children with special needs from a drone attack,” he added, describing how “a drone exploded in the kindergarten.”
“This is what we’re going through from Lebanon, Mr. President, and you know it all too well,” he noted, emphasizing, “We are fighting hard.”
It was a serious moment. Yet, after the White House meeting, a media briefing by Herzog was unexpectedly interrupted by what some saw as a pep rally for a recent election's losing candidate.
According to the New York Post, Vice President Kamala Harris made her first return to the White House after her defeat by Donald Trump, with “hundreds of White House staffers” gathering to chant “M-V-P! M-V-P!”
Instead of the traditional “Most Valuable Player,” the chant here stood for “Madame Vice President.”
As Harris received this welcome, the 2024 presidential race’s participation trophy recipient spoke:
A crowd of White House staff waits outside and cheers when @VP arrives for lunch with @POTUS pic.twitter.com/j1EvHSq6wE
— Jeff Mason (@jeffmason1) November 12, 2024
“We still have a lot of work to do,” Harris remarked.
“Listen, we do the best work anyone could do — dedicating ourselves to the people, to public service, and to lifting folks up, knowing we have the power to make a difference,” she continued, “and you all are a part of doing that work every single day, and I am so grateful to each of you.”
“Let’s get back to work, because we still have work to get done. I am sending all my love and thanks. Thank you, everyone.”
While Israel President Isaac Herzog speaks to the media following a meeting with President Biden, cheers for Vice President Kamala Harris can be heard as returns to the White House for the first time since the election. pic.twitter.com/9uq5lVplez
— CSPAN (@cspan) November 12, 2024
It was a small misstep, yet, perhaps a fitting capstone for her campaign.
As an Israeli leader addressed the media on Israel's war with Hamas and the U.S.'s role in assisting its ally, his message was overshadowed by Harris’s appearance and unearned praise. It highlighted a moment where important matters were disrupted by “M-V-P” cheerleading and uncoordinated timing that led to a somewhat awkward scene.