The Trump campaign has intensified its attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris by alleging she has a serious drinking problem.
The accusations surfaced Saturday night, with key figures from the Trump 2024 campaign amplifying rumors that have sparked controversy and speculation.
The controversy began when James Blair, the political director for the Trump campaign and the Republican National Committee, posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, about the rumors.
Blair's post suggested that the alleged drinking problem was becoming more apparent as the campaign progressed. His message quickly gained traction after being retweeted by Trump campaign advisor Alex Bruesewitz, further fueling the speculation.
The accusations gained momentum following the circulation of a video clip in which Harris was seen introducing President Joe Biden at an event on Thursday. Observers speculated about her sobriety, leading to increased scrutiny of her behavior in public appearances.
Adding to the controversy, an anonymous account on X with a significant following of 169,000 users posted claims that Harris’ aides were struggling to keep her sober during public events. This post went viral, alleging that the vice president is often intoxicated when she disembarks from flights, which, according to the account, is why her press exposure has been limited.
The same account claimed that Harris was too intoxicated to speak during an event on August 1, where she made remarks about American hostages. Despite the alleged warnings from her team, Harris proceeded to address the audience, raising further concerns about her sobriety.
The accusations against Harris are not new but have resurfaced with increased intensity as the 2024 election looms closer.
A video clip from November 21, 2022, during Harris' visit to the Philippines, was also revisited, with critics questioning her sobriety at the time.
In addition to these recent allegations, earlier this year, Harris hosted a gathering at the vice president's residence that was described as a "booze-fueled house party" for Black college students. This event has been cited as another example of her supposed fondness for alcohol.
Reports from as far back as August 2020 have also been brought up in light of the recent allegations.
The San Francisco Chronicle and Washingtonian magazine reported on Harris' enjoyment of wine and her frequent visits to D.C. wine bars. These reports have been used to support the current claims, although they primarily depicted Harris as a connoisseur rather than someone with a drinking problem.
Khalid Pitts, the owner of Cork Wine Bar in Washington, D.C., spoke positively about Harris' knowledge and appreciation of wine.
According to Pitts, Harris is well-versed in different varietals and can distinguish between the characteristics of California oak and French oak. He noted that while Harris does have a preference for California wines, she also appreciates Old World wines.
Pitts' comments paint a picture of Harris as someone with a refined palate rather than someone with a drinking issue.
However, in the context of the current accusations, this portrayal has been scrutinized as part of a broader narrative about her relationship with alcohol.
Despite these assertions, the Trump campaign and its allies have continued to push the narrative that Harris' drinking is problematic. James Blair’s post on X, stating that rumors of Harris' serious drinking problem are "coming into focus" as the campaign heats up, encapsulates the tone of the accusations.
The speculation surrounding Harris’ drinking habits highlights the increasingly personal nature of the 2024 presidential campaign.
The focus on her alleged drinking problem underscores the extent to which both sides are willing to go in their attempts to discredit their opponents.
The viral posts on X have contributed to the spread of these rumors, with one account even suggesting that Harris has a "fun alcoholic day drinker at the pool type vibe." This characterization, while seemingly lighthearted, also carries a more serious implication about her suitability for office, especially in a role where critical decisions must be made.
The Trump campaign's decision to spotlight these allegations reflects the broader strategy of raising doubts about Harris' fitness to serve as vice president, particularly as the 2024 race becomes more contentious.
Whether these rumors will have a lasting impact on the campaign remains to be seen, but they have certainly added another layer of controversy to an already heated election.
