Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff are called out for hilarious shovel skills as they plant Oct 7 memorial tree
Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff were widely criticized for their shoveling skills as they planted a memorial tree for the victims of the October 7 attack.
The vice president and second gentleman marked the anniversary of Hamas’ attack on Israel by planting a pomegranate tree on the grounds of her residence.
But netizens were quick to attack the couple for their symbolic act, which saw them slam the floor in front of reporters at their Washington home on Monday.
‘Neither of them can even hold a shovel properly! A child in a sandbox can do that better!’ wrote Heather on Twitter/X.
Critics said the apparent difficulty in using a shovel showed that Ms. Harris “did not grow up in a middle-class family.”
Some drew attention to her earlier comments that she “grew up in a neighborhood with people who took great pride in their lawns.”
Vice President Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff plant a pomegranate tree at the Vice President’s residence at the US Naval Observatory on October 7
Critics focused more on how Harris used the shovel to plant the symbolic memorial tree
On Threads, worldsgreat1 wrote: “Kamala Harris, I think you’ll make a great president, but put down the shovel now.”
The Vice President took the opportunity to reiterate calls for a ceasefire and the return of the hostages
Collin Rugg shared the video on Twitter/X, adding, “Kamala Harris, who grew up as a middle-class child in a neighborhood where people cared about their lawns, struggles with using a shovel with her husband.”
“Harris has centered her campaign around her ‘middle-class growing up.'” he added.
Brandon Morse added, “Kamala Harris trying to use a shovel is about as awkward as speaking to Kamala Harris without a teleprompter.”
Another user wrote: ‘Tell me you’ve never touched a shovel without telling me you’ve never touched a shovel.’
On Threads, worldsgreat1 wrote: “Kamala Harris, I think you’ll make a great president, but put down the shovel now.”
Ashley G drew attention to their outfits, writing, “in a suit……….in a suit doing yard work.”
In fact, Vice President Harris and her partner had gathered to plant a tree in a somber tribute to the victims of the October 7 attack on Israel.
Harris said: “We must ensure that the horrors of October 7 can never happen again.
“And on this solemn day, I will reiterate my pledge to always ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself, and that I will always work to ensure the safety and security of the Jewish people here and around the world to guarantee.’
In her remarks before the symbolic tree planting and ground pounding, she noted that 46 Americans were killed in the Hamas-led raid last year.
“Today I know that many Jews will recite and reflect on the Jewish mourning prayer, the Kaddish,” she said.
‘The words of the prayer are not about death. It is a prayer about our continued faith in God, even in our darkest moments.
“So as we reflect on the horrors of October 7, please let us remember that we cannot lose faith.”
Kamala Harris speaks to reporters and vows to ‘always make sure Israel gets what it needs’
The second couple marked the one-year anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks by planting a memorial tree, a tradition done by second families on the grounds of the vice president’s residence.
She added that the pomegranate tree was chosen because it symbolizes hope and justice in Judaism.
As she spoke, pro-Palestinian protesters could be heard in the background.
Ms. Harris reiterated her commitment to release the hostages still held in Gaza through a ceasefire to alleviate the “immense suffering” of the Palestinian civilian population.
About 1,200 people were killed in the October 7 attacks when Hamas and allied factions stormed into southern Israel with assault rifles and began shooting indiscriminately.
According to local medical officials, Israel’s retaliatory strikes have killed about 42,000 Palestinians, destroyed large areas and displaced about 90% of the population.