Former Democratic fundraisers expressed frustration and disappointment with Vice President Kamala Harris’ recent interview with Oprah Winfrey, describing it as “out of touch” and “patronizing.” On “The Ingraham Angle,” former Democratic fundraiser Evan Barker and former Obama fundraiser Allison Huynh criticized the interview, noting growing concerns within some Democratic circles about the administration’s messaging and its connection with working-class Americans.
While the interview aimed to enhance Harris’ image ahead of the election, critics argued that it inadvertently underscored the very disconnect between Harris and the Biden administration and working-class voters that they have been trying to address. “I mean, it just felt like Oprah was lecturing working class people who are struggling. She has no idea what it’s like to not be able to afford groceries,” Barker told host Laura Ingraham. “She has no idea what it’s like to go to the gas station and struggle to fill up her car. She’s not affected by the economy right now. And so it just felt extremely out of touch.”
The interview also touched on Harris‘ portrayal by Winfrey as a self-made success. “Did anyone catch how Oprah basically made fun of people who work at McDonald’s? Did anyone catch that part of her intro? She said that Kamala Harris, who worked at McDonald’s and told everybody else that currently works at McDonald’s, all of the working class people, that there was hope for them yet,” Barker said. “So I just found the entire- programming to be incredibly patronizing. It was a cringe-fest. It’s just everything that is emblematic of the Democratic Party and how out of touch they are right now with just regular people that are struggling.”
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This sentiment reflects concerns expressed by Barker in an op-ed published Tuesday, where she criticized the administration for its apparent disconnect from the economic realities faced by everyday Americans. Barker pointed out that the party’s shift toward catering to wealthy elites has alienated many former Democrats, suggesting that the party now prioritizes its financiers over its traditional union base.
Corporate media outlets published upbeat reports on Harris’ “Unite for America Rally” in Michigan, hosted by Winfrey, despite Harris’ meandering responses during the event. Headlines highlighted the rally’s “emotional” tone, focusing on Harris’ lengthy and somewhat unfocused answers to questions about the border crisis, cost of living, and her closing remarks prompted by Winfrey about her message to Americans as the election approaches.
