Kamala Harris found herself in an awkward situation on Wednesday after a hot mic caught her scolding an aide during a live briefing on Hurricane Milton preparations.

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks after touring damage caused by Hurricane Helene on Golden Camp Road in Augusta, Ga., on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024.

The incident, which was broadcast to the public, occurred while Harris and Joe Biden were being briefed on the expected impact of the storm and the recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene.

The briefing, led by Ken Graham, Director of the National Weather Service, covered critical updates as Hurricane Milton is projected to hit Florida, with particular concern for the Tampa Bay and Sarasota areas.

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Experts have warned that residents who fail to evacuate are putting their lives at serious risk as the storm approaches.

During the session, Harris became visibly distracted while Graham was discussing the potential devastation Milton could cause.

Moments later, an aide could be heard feeding her questions, prompting Harris to respond sharply. Forgetting to mute her microphone, Harris’s frustration was broadcast for all to hear.

“It’s a live broadcast!” she snapped, clearly annoyed by the interaction. The moment was captured by the Trump campaign, who circulated the clip widely.

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The incident has drawn significant criticism, particularly given the seriousness of the hurricane briefing. Critics argue that the situation reflects poorly on Harris’s ability to manage high-pressure situations, raising concerns about her competence.

The timing of the mishap only adds to the ongoing scrutiny of her performance as vice president, as many look to her handling of critical situations.

Harris has been under increased scrutiny recently, particularly following her tense exchange with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

DeSantis refused to take her call, reportedly due to concerns that Harris was attempting to use the situation for political gain. The two have clashed over various issues, with this latest episode adding fuel to the fire.

The timing of the hot mic incident also raises concerns about how Harris would handle similar situations on an international stage.

With tensions between the U.S. and adversarial nations like Russia and China at an all-time high, some worry that a similar mistake during a press conference with foreign leaders could have serious consequences for U.S. foreign policy and national security.

As Hurricane Milton approaches, the Biden-Harris administration is focusing on disaster preparedness and recovery efforts, but incidents like this are serving as a distraction.

The vice president’s handling of the situation has been seen by many as another example of missteps that continue to plague the administration.

With the 2024 election cycle underway, these incidents are sure to be used by political opponents to cast doubt on Harris’s leadership abilities.

For many voters, questions about her performance in office are becoming a central issue as they weigh their choices in the upcoming election.

The episode underscores the high stakes for the Biden-Harris administration as they navigate both domestic and international challenges.

As the hurricane approaches, the priority remains ensuring the safety of those in its path, but the broader political implications of Harris’s misstep are likely to continue to reverberate in the days ahead.

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