An altered video is circulating online that falsely presents Vice President Kamala Harris as having made an incoherent speech. This video is a manipulation of the original footage from a rally on reproductive rights held at Howard University.
Altered Video
The spread of this video began over the weekend, where Harris appears to deliver a garbled message stating: “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.” This version of the clip, lasting 22 seconds, has been edited to change the audio.
Originally posted by an account known for comedic edits of political figures, the video was shared widely across social media. While many recognized it as humorous content, others mistakenly treated it as genuine.
The Real Speech
The true footage of Harris’ speech reveals her saying: “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 authentic clip was livestreamed by NARAL Pro-Choice America, an abortion rights nonprofit. The White House’s transcript of her remarks confirms the absence of the altered statement.
Misinformation Context
Following her appearance at Howard University, where she was joined by President Biden announcing their reelection campaign, the footage was mocked by critics. Claims suggesting the altered video was real adds to the misinformation, emphasizing the importance of fact-checking in today’s media environment.