FILE - Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign event in Elkins Park, Pa., May 8, 2024. Harris on Monday, May 13, used a profanity while offering advice to young Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders about how to break down barriers at the the annual Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies Legislative Leadership Summit. The vice president made the comment while participating in a conversation moderated by actor and comedian Jimmy O. Yang. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)
Vice President Kamala Harris got a bit blunt while giving advice to young people of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander heritage in Washington, D.C., on Monday.
While discussing how to break down barriers, she told attendees at the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies’ Legislative Leadership Summit, “We have to know that sometimes people will open the door for you and leave it open. Sometimes they won’t, and then you need to kick that fucking door down.”
As cheers erupted from the audience, she added, “Excuse my language.”
To the crowd’s delight, actor and comic Jimmy O. Yang, who was moderating, told everyone, “We gotta make T-shirts with that saying!”
Harris’ comments came while celebrating May’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, giving her an opportunity to speak about becoming a first in several areas.
When she was inaugurated in early 2021, the California-born politician became the country’s first female vice president, as well as the first Black and first Asian American person to serve in that office.
While Harris’ candid remarks drew cheers, her use of strong language contrasts with the typically formal demeanor expected from high-ranking government officials.
However, this isn’t the first time politicians using expletives have made headlines recently.
President Joe Biden, too, has been caught using colorful language in private settings, reflecting a broader trend of public figures breaking from traditional norms of decorum.
In February, Politico reported that the commander in chief privately called his Republican rival Donald Trump a “sick fuck” who is a “fucking asshole.”
Biden’s cursing hasn’t been reserved for just his political opponents.
During a hot mic moment in 2022, the president was heard calling Fox Newsreporter Peter Doocy “a stupid son of a bitch.”
Watch the full speech below. Harris’ comments come around the 12-minute mark.
Hollywood superstar Leonardo DiCaprio has a new role! The Oscar-winning actor is now an official…
President Donald Trump shocked the nation Thursday with a bold announcement. Tariffs on goods from…
A groundbreaking proposal called the "DOGE dividend" could soon become law. The plan promises to…
Cardinal Robert McElroy is preparing to assume his new role as the Archbishop of Washington,…
LOS ANGELES – Minnesota Timberwolves standout Anthony Edwards is facing a probable suspension for one…
The 97th Academy Awards are just days away, but not everyone is excited. Inside Hollywood,…