During a FEMA briefing on Hurricane Milton, Vice President Harris struggled with her remarks, reminding staff of the live broadcast as the storm approached Florida
In a live update on Hurricane Milton from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on October 9, 2024, Vice President Kamala Harris found herself in an awkward moment, struggling through her speech to the people of Florida. The broadcast, which aimed to provide crucial information about the impending hurricane, highlighted both the urgency of the situation and the challenges faced by the administration in delivering clear messages to the public.
As Hurricane Milton gears up to make landfall near Tampa, Florida, Harris participated in the briefing remotely, alongside President Biden, who was updated from the White House. The focus of the meeting was to discuss life-saving preparations and the latest forecasts for the storm, which is expected to have severe impacts on the state.
During the briefing, an unexpected moment occurred when Harris covered her mouth and seemingly reminded her staff, “It’s a live broadcast.” This remark came after she had stumbled through her speech, which was clearly pre-written. The Vice President glanced down at her notes multiple times, attempting to convey critical information to Floridians.
Embed from Getty Images“To the people of Florida, and in particular, the people of the Tampa region: We urge you to take this storm seriously,” she began, clearly acknowledging the gravity of the situation. “As has been said before, this is a storm that is expected to be of historic proportions. And many of you, I know, are tough… and you’ve ridden out these hurricanes before. This one’s going to be different.”
Harris continued, emphasising the potentially catastrophic nature of Hurricane Milton. “We ask you to understand it’s going to be more dangerous, more deadly, and more catastrophic. So please listen to your local officials. They know what they’re talking about. They know what they’re doing. And if you are told to evacuate, please evacuate immediately. Do not wait until it is too late,” she urged, aiming to impress upon residents the necessity of heeding evacuation orders.
The moment drew attention, not just for the slip-up, but for the critical message Harris was trying to deliver amid a tense and rapidly evolving situation. As preparations escalated in Florida, with evacuations underway and safety measures being implemented, the importance of clear communication became even more vital.
In the wake of the speech, Fox News Digital reached out to Harris’ office for a comment on the incident but had not received a response at the time of reporting. The Vice President’s stumble, while notable, reflects the high-pressure environment officials face during significant weather events, where every word can have far-reaching consequences.
Hurricane Milton poses serious threats as it approaches Florida, leading to widespread evacuations and urgent preparations across the state. Harris’s speech underscored the importance of accurate information in such critical moments, highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts to protect lives and ensure public safety.
As the storm nears, residents are urged to remain vigilant, prepare for potential impacts, and follow guidance from local authorities. The administration’s communication strategy, especially during live broadcasts, is crucial in ensuring that the public receives timely and accurate updates.
Despite the blunder, Harris’s intention to communicate the seriousness of Hurricane Milton remains clear. The Vice President’s efforts to engage with Floridians during this critical time illustrate the government’s commitment to providing support and resources as the state braces for the storm.
