In a recent extensive interview that aired on Monday, Vice President Kamala Harris engaged in a candid conversation with talk show host Drew Barrymore, delving into various aspects of her personal life, including her marriage to second gentleman Doug Emhoff and their children. Beyond her personal life, Harris also used the platform to advocate for President Joe Biden and shared some intriguing personal anecdotes, such as her distinctive laugh and a new nickname.
During the interview, Harris addressed the criticism she often faces for her laughter, attributing it to deep-seated sexism. She explained that when she finds something amusing, she doesn’t conform to conventional expectations of laughter being “ladylike” but instead lets out a genuine and hearty cackle, which has unfortunately led to ridicule both online and elsewhere.
The conversation also touched upon Harris’s family dynamic, with Barrymore highlighting the playful term her stepchildren use for her, “Momala,” a nickname that affectionately acknowledges her role in their lives. Barrymore expressed a broader sentiment, suggesting that in these challenging times, everyone could use a maternal figure like “Momala” to provide comfort and support, and she proposed that Harris could embody that nurturing role for the country as a whole.
Responding to Barrymore’s sentiment, Harris reflected on the evolving perception of strength, noting a troubling trend where strength is often misinterpreted as the ability to dominate or belittle others. She stressed that true strength lies in lifting others up, and she emphasized the importance of women supporting and empowering each other for mutual success and societal progress.
The interview sparked a range of reactions on social media, with some viewers expressing discomfort and awkwardness. Despite this, both Biden and Harris have been increasingly engaging with nonpolitical media as the 2024 election approaches, aiming to connect with a broader audience, even though Biden is known for rarely participating in in-depth media interviews.