On Monday, Vice President Kamala Harris tried to comfort Californians dealing with the devastating wildfires sweeping across Los Angeles. But instead of offering much-needed clarity, her words left many feeling confused, leading to a storm of reactions online.
During a briefing about the federal response to the fires, which have already claimed at least 25 lives and destroyed thousands of homes, Harris told residents that “patience” was key. While acknowledging the destruction in areas like Pacific Palisades, she urged people to be patient, even those still under evacuation orders, saying, “I know you want to get back home, but this is a time to be patient.”
As thousands of acres continue to burn, with firefighters and first responders working tirelessly to contain the flames, her message about patience didn’t sit well with many.
Then came a statement that quickly went viral for all the wrong reasons. Harris said, “It’s critically important that, to the extent you can find anything that gives you an ability to be patient in this extremely dangerous and unprecedented crisis, that you do.”
For many, this didn’t sound like the kind of support Californians needed. In fact, it sparked a frenzy online. Social media exploded with jokes, sarcastic comments, and critiques.
Some took Harris’ words and reworked them. “The most critical thing for you to pack is your patience,” quipped The Federalist’s Margot Cleveland. Others weren’t as kind, with some using the moment to question Harris’ communication skills, calling it a “word salad.”
Even high-profile figures weighed in. Media Research Center President Brent Bozell commented, “It’s terrifying to think how Kamala would have treated the American people if this is how she treats her home state supporters.”
In addition to the mixed reactions to Harris’ comments, many Californians and critics pointed out the lack of preparation and response from local leaders, including Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, as the fires ravaged the area.
So, while Harris was trying to encourage patience, many are left wondering: should the focus be on patience, or should we be looking at the real issues that caused this devastating crisis? The question of leadership and preparedness is on everyone’s mind, and it’s clear the situation calls for more than just words.
