Kamala Harris resurfaces after election loss: But she sounds defeated in emotional ‘pep talk’–or even drunk?

A visibly deflated Vice President Kamala Harris reappeared Tuesday in a brief video posted to the Democratic Party’s X account, addressing her supporters following her loss to President-elect Donald Trump.

In the 28-second clip, Harris offered words of encouragement, referencing the November 5th election defeat.

“I just have to remind you, don’t you ever let anybody take your power from you. You have the same power that you did before November 5th,” Harris said, appearing bleary-eyed and dressed in workwear while speaking from what looked like a living room.

She continued, “And you have the same purpose that you did. And you have the same ability to engage and inspire. So don’t ever let anybody or any circumstance take your power from you.”

Promptly, speculations arose about whether she had been drinking, triggering a new debate on social media regarding a potential hidden alcohol problem for the Vice President, an issue that had also been reported during the campaign.

Criticism and Speculation Surround Video Appearance

Harris’s message quickly sparked online debate, with critics questioning her demeanor. “Have you been drinking?” actor Kevin Sorbo wrote in response on X, while another commenter quipped, “Ooof, she looks rough. Couple too many drinks?”

The vice president recently returned from a six-day vacation at a $1,300-a-night luxury property in Hawaii’s Big Island, owned by a member of the Mondavi wine family. The retreat, reportedly secluded, included complimentary Mondavi wine bottles with every booking. Harris and her husband, second gentleman Doug Emhoff, were seen flying back to the Bay Area on Monday to spend Thanksgiving with family.

Election Post-Mortem and Harris’s Future

Harris’s presidential campaign faced intense scrutiny after losing all seven battleground states to Trump, despite polling that had shown her within striking distance. The campaign reportedly spent over $1 billion, with critics pointing to celebrity-filled swing-state rallies as a wasteful strategy. While Democrats touted their ground game as superior to Trump’s, his messaging on the economy and immigration resonated more effectively with voters.

Harris officially conceded on November 6 at her alma mater, Howard University, where her election night event had been held. Supporters in attendance were seen openly sobbing. Her first public appearance post-election came on Veterans Day at Arlington Cemetery alongside President Joe Biden, where both adopted a somber tone.

A Return to the Political Spotlight?

Despite her defeat, Harris has not ruled out a future presidential run. After stepping into the Democratic ticket’s top spot when Biden, 82, bowed out in July, her campaign faced mounting criticism over strategic missteps. Harris’s supporters are now left wondering whether she will make another attempt in 2028.

For now, the vice president appears focused on rebuilding her image. Her recent video message may signal an effort to reengage with her base, but the road ahead will likely be fraught with questions about the campaign’s failures and her political future.