Fact-Check: Video of Kamala Harris Speech Altered
A video circulating online purports to show Vice President Kamala Harris speaking nonsensically. This video features a quote: “Today is today. And yesterday was today yesterday. Tomorrow will be today tomorrow. So live today, so the future today will be as the past today as it is tomorrow.” However, this video has been altered.
AP’s Assessment
The Associated Press reports that the original footage from a rally at Howard University does not include this statement. The event, focused on reproductive rights, happened last Tuesday. In her authentic speech, Harris emphasized the importance of understanding the historical context of current moments.
Authentic Quote
In the original clip, Harris states: “So I think it’s very important — as you have heard from so many incredible leaders — for us, at every moment in time, and certainly this one, to see the moment in time in which we exist and are present, and to be able to contextualize it, to understand where we exist in the history and in the moment as it relates not only to the past, but the future.” This is the actual content of her message.
Altering of the Video
Despite the original context, a manipulated version has spread on social media. The 22-second clip makes Harris appear to ramble incoherently. It first appeared on Friday, posted by an account known for editing political footage for comedic purposes. Some shared the video as a joke, while others believed it was genuine.
Social Media Reaction
A tweet accompanying the video said, “If you get what Kamala Harris is saying yesterday then tell me tomorrow so that I can make my past better.” This tweet has been viewed over 29,000 times.
Verification of Authentic Footage
The true footage was live-streamed by NARAL Pro-Choice America, an organization advocating for abortion rights. This footage only contains Harris’ remarks about the moment in time, not the altered quote. Furthermore, the White House transcript corroborates the absence of the fabricated statement.
Harris spoke at Howard University, her alma mater, on the same day President Joe Biden announced their reelection campaign.
This article is a part of AP’s initiative to correct widely-shared misinformation, collaborating with external groups to provide accurate context for misleading online content. For more information on AP’s fact-checking efforts, please visit their website.