During a recent visit to Hemlock Semiconductors in Saginaw, Michigan, Vice President Kamala Harris found herself the subject of some widespread criticism that many likened to moments straight out of the satirical political show Veep. Touring a polysilicon facility and handling unfamiliar equipment, her actions left onlookers wondering about her grasp of the situation at hand. At one point, Harris hovered over what was called a "harvested U-rod" – a metalloid silicon rod that the facility employee described as sharp. She asked, "Can I touch it?" and was swiftly advised against it.
The Vice President of the United States, ladies and gentlemen.
Kamala at a semiconductor plant: "Can I touch it?"
Worker: "Do not touch it... Please do not touch any of the poly — it is very sharp."
Kamala: "And shiny!
This is straight out of Veep.
pic.twitter.com/af9rjje3OE— Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) October 28, 2024
Harris’s response showed a sense of uncertainty that didn’t exactly instill confidence. "I’m glad I asked," she replied, backing away from the equipment. But the incident didn’t end there. She was later warned not to touch another display of silicon crystal chunks, acknowledging they were both “very sharp” and “shiny” without venturing too close. The scene struck many as humorously reminiscent of Veep, with the VP’s remarks appearing to others as amusingly out of touch with the technical setting.
Wwwoooooo! Shiny! https://t.co/KNlD7ikKL4
— Jim Thompson (@JimmySportToons) October 28, 2024
In another moment that raised eyebrows, Harris stumbled over terminology, saying “Polysilicone? Polysilicon. I’m sorry, that wasn’t right, right?” followed by her trademark laugh, suggesting that perhaps the details of the tour hadn’t fully landed. For some, her apparent struggle to articulate the subject matter only fed growing doubts about her grasp on complex topics. Comparisons between Harris and the current president are often made, but critics suggest she brings a different level of challenge to the administration.
Apparently both @SecondGentleman and @KamalaHarris can’t keep their hands off of things they shouldn’t touch. https://t.co/uJE1G9ZlfA
— IT Guy (@ITGuy1959) October 28, 2024
If Harris were called upon to address even more complex issues, such as military strategy or high-stakes international negotiations, one has to wonder how well she might manage. Many still recall her dismissive response to not visiting the border, quipping, “And I’ve never been to Europe.” Such statements, in the eyes of critics, paint a picture of a leader who appears to struggle with both optics and accountability.
It's simply not possible for Kamala not to be cringe pic.twitter.com/8en46WSsEc
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) October 28, 2024
Meanwhile, polls indicate that former President Donald Trump is holding a lead in key battleground states, with RealClear Politics reporting a 0.9% edge for him. In Michigan, where Harris’s tour took place, Trump leads by 0.1%, while he holds a slight 0.2% advantage in the national popular vote average.