Fox Reporter Peter Doocy's Questions About Kamala Harris "Putting On A Southern Accent" During Her Two September 2, 2024 Presidential Campaign Rallies In Detroit & In Pittsburgh

Occupy Democrats, September 3, 2024
FOX NEWS’ White House reporter Peter Doocy just asked President Biden’s Press Secretary a deeply weird, racist question about Kamala Harris —- and she gave him the perfect response! -snip- A video clip of Vice President Harris' Detroit rally is found at 5:01 to around 5:19 in this podcast video. A video clip of Vice President Harris' Detroit rally is found at 5:26 to around 5:35 in this podcast video. ****

Edited by Azizi Powell

This pancocojams series showcases an Occupy Democrats podcast that focuses on the questions that Fox News reporter Peter Doocy asked at the September 2, 2024 White House Press briefing. Those questions alluded to that reporter's opinion that  Vice President and Democratic Presidential candidate Kamala Harris was being fake because he felts that she was "putting on a Southern accent" at one or both of her Labor Day rallies in Detroit, Michigan and in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 

This post includes two transcript excerpts from that podcasts as well as selected comments from that podcast's discussion thread.

The content of this post is presented for historical, socio-cultural, linguistic, and political purposes.

Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to Occupy Democrats for this podcast.  
-snip-
My opinion and the opinions of a number of commenters in this discussion thread that VP Kamala Harris wasn't speaking with any Southern accent.

For those who are unfamiliar with the United States, Kamala Harris is from Oakland, California. None of these cities (Oakland, Detroit, or Pittsburgh) are located in or near the Southern region of the United States. That fact debunks Fox reporter Peter Doocy's implication that VP Kamala Harris was putting on a Southern accent to curry favor with or pretend to talk like the considerable number of Black people who were in attendance at those rallies. 

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TRANSCRIPT EXCERPT OF PETER DOOCY'S WHITE HOUSE PRESS BRIEFING QUESTIONS AND PRESS SECRETARY KARINE JEAN PIERRE'S RESPONSES TO THOSE QUESTIONS
 
This excerpt includes my addition of citations for who is speaking as well as added punctuations and capitalizations. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OmJoU5Ja1g from 0:00 t0 0.010 and from 2:30-3:49. 

[Podcast Host]
"Fox News' Peter Doocy is an absolute embarrassment to the field of journalism and he might have just asked what could be the stupidest question in the history of the White House Press conference.

[…]

but now Fox News Peter Doocy has decided to one up CNN and take the crown for asking the most ludicrous question to date. 

Peter was attending a White House Press briefing when he asked the Press Secretary a question that would not only be considered offensive but highly embarrassing for him.

And wait until you see Karine Jean Pierre's response watch this:

[Peter Doocy]
“A different topic…Since when does the Vice President have what sounds like a Southern accent?”

[Karine Jean Pierre]

“I have no idea what you're talking about.”

[Peter Doocy]

“Well, I mean this is she was talking about unions in Detroit using one tone of voice.
Is this something that same line”…

[Karine Jean Pierre]
“Okay, Peter that …

[Peter Doocy]
“She uh she used the same line in Pittsburgh and it sounded like she at least had some kind of a
Southern accent.”

[Karine Jean Pierre]
“Do you hear the question that I mean....Do you think Americans seriously think that this is an important question they care you know, what they care about?
They care about the economy.  They care about lowering costs. They care about
healthcare.  That's what Americans care about.  So that's what they want to hear.
You care about…Your colleague just asked me about democracy.  What basically we talked about went back and forth about democracy and freedom.  That's what they care about.

 I'm not even going to entertain some question about the Vice President. It's just…It it's just…Hearing it sounds so ridiculous."

[Peter Doocy]
"Well but hearing it…Is the question. I'm talking about the question is…

[Karine Jean Pierre]
is just insane…”

[Peter Doocy]
“is that how she talks in meetings here?.

[Karine Jean Pierre]
“I I'm just…Peter we're we're moving on”..

****
TRANSRIPT EXCERPT ABOUT VP KAMALA HARRIS' SPEECHES AND THE PODCAST HOST'S ANALYSIS OF DOOCY'S QUESTIONS

This excerpt includes my addition of citations for who is speaking as well as added punctuations and capitalizations. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OmJoU5Ja1g

This transcript excerpt begins at 4:39 and ends at 6:14 of that auto-generated transcript.  

4:39-
[Podcast Host]
watch Kamala Harris delivers the exact same line in a speech earlier today in Detroit and again in Pittsburgh a few hours later. Let's see if you can spot the difference…

And what the Right is saying is that Kamala is lying to the American people by putting on a fake accent so we can't trust her about anything watch these two videos:

[Vice President Kamala Harris]
“You better thank a union member for sick leave.
You better thank a union member for paid leave.
You better thank a union member for vacation time
because what we know”…

[Podcast Host]
“So that was the first video and now here's the second video in which the Right claims Kamala has a totally different accent:

[Vice President Kamala Harris]
…“thank unions for sick leave.
Thank unions for pay family leave.
Thank unions for your vacation time.”

[Podcast Host]
“So, if you ask me, it just sounds like Kamala's feeling herself a little more in
that first clip and having a little more fun in her delivery. That's it.
I don't see some huge difference or that she's trying to put on a fake
accent. These guys are nuts.

But when you don't have anything of substance to question about Kamala Harris, then you're going to resort to these kind of questions. So Peter Doocy and the Right are continuing to uphold their terrible reputation for asking offensive and ridiculous questions. Karine Jean Pierre, the Press Secretary handled that question beautifully. And I'm glad to see that Kamala Harris is not playing along with these clowns either."

****
SELECTED COMMENTS FROM THIS PODCAST'S DISCUSSION THREAD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OmJoU5Ja1g

These comments were published on September 3 and September 4, 2024. Numbers are added for referencing purposes only

1. 

@JJ-kl5yj
"I grew up in the South. There are all kinds of southern accents and drawls and I don't think Doocy would recognize one if it smacked him upside the head. There are also all kinds of inflections that aren't regional and vary according to the ideas being conveyed. Everyone knows the parent's "I mean business" inflection no matter the accent. By the way, Harris is adept at imitating her mother-in-law's Brooklyn accent."

**
Reply

2. @ckvera8
So now it’s not the words said. It’s their pronunciation. US politics has become a moronic sh-t* show." -snip-

*This word is fully spelled out in this comment.

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3.@Kevinisbatman
"I only hear a change in tone, not accent I hope he continues to embarrass himself with dumb questions

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4. @Sandi-ke9mi
"He is offensive on so many levels. I’m originally from north of Pittsburgh, and first of all it’s not the south. There’s definitely an accent that goes with growing up in Pittsburgh, but I didn’t hear it any different in her voice, at either place. I was not allowed to have that accent growing up, and it’s probably a good thing because I live in California. When I moved to California, I lived for a year with a relative and his wife. She was from Louisiana originally and after living there a year, I picked up some of her southern accent. It wasn’t a big deal to anyone. Except maybe Peter Doocey. 🇺🇸"

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5. user-gn9vt9hs2q

". All that is, is swag! Kamala….sometimes when I know something is righteous my head gets to going back and forth in a feeling the goodness..amen!"

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6. @trinaisspeakin4539

"It has nothing to do with switching accents. It’s just like you said she was more relaxed and into the moment with the first crowd and was free to not be as poised as with the second."

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7. @jimlong527
"Who cares, I learned long ago how to communicate with the audience to be affective and get to a point. Vote Blue"

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8.@angeloleary1979

"Fox News commentators:

Trump should attack her on policy issues, not her appearance or her laugh. Also Fox News commentators: Why was her voice slightly different? "

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9. @Mizmilla
"Of course he means she’s using that black-cent ️ I’m so glad VP Harris made it okay to disregard these pathetic questions."

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10. "@ThomasNiemann-qe5fo

I think we just have all knew what he meant when he said she used a southern accent. He wanted to say she sounded more black but didn't wanna go too far with his stupid racist question"

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11. @michaelmenkes8085

"He was trying to dog whistle the Indian/Black BS. Yes its just the variance of endless repetition of the same speech line. Tone of voice is tone of voice. We're allowed to vary it. Like Trump does when he says "Black" as (pause)"Bleck". Kamala's tone is passion in both speeches, the second one + a little fatigue. Trump's is racist sarcasm. And sometimes Trump's racist sarcasm sounds a little tired."

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12. @heycesa
"She was feeling it in Detroit!!! They don't know nothing about that....sad little bunch "

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13. @user-ex7vl2oc7f

"All I heard was the preaching of sweet truth! At last! Vote Blue! Up and Down the Ticket! "

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14. @sfviris5582
"You’re right. She was into what she was saying! "

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15. @sean-anthonyroberts9803

"You better thank a union worker"

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16. @blaiseutube
"I can't tell the difference between her two speeches."

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17. name
"That's how Kamala always speaks.  I'm from California, so I know. 

That's Kamala being full of spirit.  So if you have nothing BETTER to criticize Kamala on,

just shut up and go away.  Maybe come back when you decide to be REAL journalists"

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18. @marthakarol68

"I don't hear any southern accent from Kamala. I'm southern and she certainly does not sound southern"

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19. @MaryCoffey-pn9zv
"Is he actually saying that all people from the South sound alike?? He needs to spend a month or two traveling around the south. The people of Louisiana, Georgia, North Carolina, Alabama, and all the other states do not sound the same. Each region of our wonderful country is unique with a historic and diverse culture of its own. He is in serious need of a learning road trip."

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20. @wadecollins671
"Human beings talk differently in different settings. As a gay man gays talk to each other in different way when we all hangout but not the same if you’re with family or at work."

**

21. @patriciawarren441
"As an Australian I couldn't hear any difference in Kamala's accent other than one seemed more passionate, and that's nothing to do with accent."

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22. @ElChingonFPV
"It's code switching. A superpower among people of color. We have learned to do it and love it."

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23. @slylett167
"Exactly. I speak differently at work than I speak when I go home to East Texas!"

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24. @edwsc3
"Could someone please explain what it is ? I Think I know...and its FUN and I do it to if its what I think it is"

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25, @soutinefan
"It's not a "superpower" of people of color.  It's what most people of EVERY color do -- adjust diction, grammar, vocabulary depending on whom they are talking to.  I used to marvel at my mother's subdued, refined word choice when talking to my teachers.  Very different than convo with family.  I speak very differently in a job interview than I do hanging out with close friends."

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26. @elsierodgers4874
"I call it home voice, phone voice, business voice, and family and friends voice. But never southern accent. That's silly."

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27, @monsterglo
"@soutinefan You are correct! I have done it intentionally as well as unintentionally,  depending upon the situation,  along with street smarts it has tremendous benefits

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28, @ElChingonFPV
"@edwsc3  Code switching is an ability to change your dialect, speech pattern, etc. to meet the requirements of a particular social situation and better connect with your audience. I teasingly said people of color have it as a superpower because we navigate different worlds between cultures, language, and social "expectations." In reality, it is a class tactic as well. Many white people who have worked their way through class structures do it as well. It is something we take pride in. It's why you hear some people change their speech to better connect to their "homies," work mates, etc. depending on situation. Doocey does not understand this or probably has had little need to know about it."

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29, @BrittanyKrasutsky-su2bn
"@edwsc3  yes, and sometimes it's just because you are feeling it differently in front of a different audience."

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30. @lorannamoody7011
"I know. I could always tell if my college roommate was talking to a white person or black person or rich or middle class person. She didn’t even know she was doing it."

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31. @karendorsey4780
"It’s called code switching! It’s what people of color are taught to do!  It’s how we can enter many rooms!  It’s our super power! Vote" 

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32. @larryrowe5259
"Could you expound on this subject a little more?"

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33, @knighthawk3749
"Not just people of color. Any minority often does it. Jews often speak differently when they are among other Jews. LGBTIA individuals often have to code switch to protect their lives."

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34. @starshine46
"@larryrowe5259  in the corporate world as a person of color, you make a point to be professional, monotone. When we're more relaxed, the tone can change.  It's the perception if you're lively, you're being "ghetto" or unprofessional."

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35. @karate357
"If we have to Explain or Expound “code switching” to you, then it’s not for you to know. Some things are better kept close to the vest!"

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36. @ThomasNiemann-qe5fo
"@karate357  no need to be rude the question was the German lullaby people codes which we have one style speaking around our family and close friends but in the corporate setting we use what's considered a more neutral less expressive tone of voice."

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37. @origamisteve
"​@karate357  I don't particularly agree with that opinion. I think it's important for those either not in the know or of certain privileges should know. Code-switching further expands on the lengths minorities have to go to just get by. It's a necessary "evil" to be taken seriously in many environments when that shouldn't be the case. It might help them realize that minorities can't feel free to be ourselves without the high potential of being ostracized."

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38. @danielleivy8180
"As someone who grew up in NYC, surrounded by Black, Caribbean, Italian, Chinese, Jewish and Indian friends - who has spent the past decade in the South - do you know how many times my accent slides?"

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39, @juliasharp2857
"There is no difference in accent, just a little bit in her energy and inflection. This is what they are trying to make a big deal out of??? They are nuts."

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40. @raes8520
"She was using her church voice lol"

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41. @johnhefter3815

"It not at all uncommon, for people to speak in a different manner depending the audience. Very common for peoole to speak one way at work, and another way at home. One way when out with their friends and another way with their parents. One way in a bar and another way at church. I see no issue."

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42. @JoyfulMK

"Yeah, not an accent difference, just an exhaustion issue. I know I and others will pick up the accents of those we are with. It's not meant to offend or ingratiate ourselves, we are just very empathetic people and we mirror those we are with to make them comfortable. I do it with realising. This is not adopting an accent, this is just a more tired Kamala vs a fresh and energised Kamala."

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43. @2669raymond

"Both authentic for the place and time.🇺🇸"

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44. @CynthiaAleaseSmithEdD

"Perhaps they don't know we Black people do this all the time!"

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45. @bub7961

"Kamala was hype in the first clip, I believe she almost caught the Holy Ghost u better preach girl"

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46. @cjohnson2159

"As a Black person, I understand that first dialect; it’s like when a Black person says, “you better recognize.” What she’s saying is relevant and important! Nothing to do with a southern accent ️"

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47. @jeanmurray1387
"All they can do is pile on racist innuendos. Poor babies."

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48. @larrysmac
"I only wish Karine would have called out the blatant racist dog whistle for what it is."

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49. @Thmpr

"the core party of the 'chatter' now on the right about her 'accent' is essentially saying "she's not white!!!".... ugh..."

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50. @ichill8476

"Her answer should have been “if you have time to worry about someone’s accent than you have too much time on your hands and I better not hear you complaining about the economy”

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51. @ruthiekoontz8234
"They are avoiding her message.."

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52, @bentley684
"Im a Londoner, if im talking to what we would call posh people i use R.P. recieved pronunciation. My colloquial accent is very London. Almost but not quite cockney. Even if she did alter her accent a little its irrelevant. Its what she saiď that matters. People need to grow up."

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53.@ebertmahon8939
"VP Harris was preaching the accomplishments of unions just like a preacher would in church!! Keep preaching VP Harris (soon to be Pres Harris)"

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54. @MW-uf8jo

"She speaking her soul to a pumped crowd.... go Harris"

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55.@erykaton170

That wasn't an accent, that was preaching. I'm not surprised Doucy was unfamiliar.

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56. @Royalgazlite
"Look she talking in a preachy tone, Obama does it alot. It's when you want someone to talk back while you're giving a speach. People who go to black churches or southern Baptist churches understand what's she's doing. It's sad we have to teach yall everything. Like Kendrick said "They Not Like Us"

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57. @keymaster7323

"She wasn't using a different accent--she was using a different cadence. In the first clip she's using a rising tone at the end of every point she makes, and hitting each point on the beat. It's a powerful rhetorical technique, because when the audience is able to lock onto the speaker's rhythm, they can anticipate the beats in the speech, which makes the audience feel more connected to the speaker, and more open to what the speaker is saying. Since the VP does it so rarely, it's likely it wasn't on purpose but, as our narrator says, she was feeling relaxed and had a sense of rapport with her audience."

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58. @josephdavid3081
"Good for KJP. And good for Vice President Harris asking Dana Bash for the "next question please". We people of color must never let these MAGA men put us on our back feet over our identities. They have zero right to define us. HARRIS WALZ 2024!"
-snip-
"KJP" =  the initials for the White House Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre.

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59. @Tanker880
"The "weird" thing is you can tell by Doocy's snarky attitude he had himself "convinced" that crap was a "gotcha" moment."

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60. @Darth.Shredder
"It's called feeding off the energy of the crowd during a fiery speech. It couldn't be any more real."

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61. @1619SjSjT
"The racist micro aggression is disgusting."

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This concludes Part I of this two part pancocojams series.

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