Former Vice President Kamala Harris's recent anecdotes about supporters "passing babies" through crowds at her 2024 campaign rallies have drawn sharp criticism, notably from journalist Megyn Kelly. Harris, currently promoting her memoir "107 Days," described these moments as "magical," suggesting they demonstrated trust and a communal spirit among attendees. The remarks have sparked widespread debate regarding their plausibility and the broader context of her public statements.
During a podcast appearance, Harris recounted, "invariably somebody would want me to take a picture or to hug their child. And someone in the back would hand that baby over through the crowd… pass the baby and then pass the baby back!" She connected this to her recurring theme that "the children of the community are the children of the community," emphasizing a collective responsibility for children's well-being. This narrative aimed to highlight a sense of unity and trust at her events.
Megyn Kelly, however, expressed strong skepticism about Harris's claims. In a widely circulated response, Kelly questioned the practicality and safety of such an act, stating, > "Honestly, what idiot would hand their infant child through a crowd of people in the hopes that Kamala Harris would then touch it or bless it or kiss it?" Her comments underscore a disbelief in the scenario Harris presented, suggesting it defies common parental caution.
The former Vice President's "baby-passing" story has been met with a mix of mockery and scrutiny across social media and news outlets, with some critics labeling it as another instance of her "word salad" comments. This narrative also stands in stark contrast to a widely reported incident from October 2024, where a video showed a Harris supporter yelling at a toddler in a stroller outside a Houston rally, leading to public condemnation.
Harris's book tour for "107 Days," which details her unsuccessful 2024 presidential campaign, has been a platform for her to reframe her public image and campaign experiences. However, her recent remarks have reignited discussions about her communication style and the public's perception of her political narratives.