Drew Barrymore pleaded with Vice President Kamala Harris earlier this week for politics to be a mother figure to America. That sentiment has since unleashed waves of negative reactions from multiple communities on social media.
On Monday's episode of “The Drew Barrymore Show,” the former child star welcomed the vice president to her single couch where, in front of an all-female audience, they shared their experiences of being part of a blended family. Harris, married to Douglas Emhoff, is the stepmother of Ella Emhoff and Cole Emhoff. However, she doesn't like the “step” title, she told Barrymore.
“We don't use the term 'stepmother,'” he explained, highlighting Disney's often negative portrayals of stepfathers. “Her word to me is 'Mamala.' That's why they call me 'Mamala'.
After Harris recalled her increased connection with her husband's children from a previous union, Barrymore abruptly changed the conversation. “I keep thinking in my head that we all need a mom,” she told her guest. “I've been thinking that we all really need a huge hug in the world right now.”
“But in our country, we need you to be the 'Mamala' of the country,” Barrymore added, staring at the vice president, who nodded in agreement.
Clips of Barrymore's praise and Harris' subdued response spread on social media, prompting memes and passionate reactions. On Tuesday, users on X (formerly Twitter) viewed Barrymore's exchange as “cringe” material.
A representative for the “Drew Barrymore Show” did not immediately respond to The Times' request for comment.
“That moment a crazy woman asks you to be the mother of the country,” captioned an X user photo of Harris pursing her lips during the viral moment.
“Noooo, she did NOT ask her to be the nation's momala, that's crazy.” tweeted another user.
For other social media critics, the fact that Barrymore, who is white, pleaded with Harris, who has Black and South Asian roots, was beyond embarrassing. Multiple users accused “ET” and “Never Been Kissed” star to evoke the racist stereotype of mom: a black woman, usually enslaved, charged with caring for white Americans and their children.
“'Momala' is CRAZY. “It is not up to a black woman to rock us in her bosom and heal our wounds,” wrote one X. user.
Lawyer Ana Olivarius saying Barrymore's question also perpetuates the double standard that “being 'affectionate' is an additional job requirement for women,” regardless of their career and position.
Barrymore's “Mamala” comment also sparked strong reactions on social media from across the political spectrum. Conservative Media Personality Tomi Lahren Harshly Criticized Democratic Vice President tweeting, “Kamala will never be our 'momala'. Cringe. “ A supporter of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis torn Harris' “false 'leadership'” and questioned her experience with motherhood.
“This is the most complacent and false setup to try to get the Biden government to please the country with Kamala Harris,” wrote another user
Another user panorama Barrymore's “Mamala” comment, alleging that Harris and the US administration are “complicit” in Israel's ongoing war against Hamas, which has sparked pro-Palestine demonstrations on university campuses around the world.
During Monday's episode, Barrymore ended her controversial segment by holding Harris's hands as the host spoke about women supporting each other. “We need a great protector,” she told Harris.
The vice president responded with a few lines about the “true measure” of strength and power.
“If you ever want some indication, some objective indication of your individual power, see what you can do to help other people,” he said.
