Kamala Harris' facial expressions take center stage in debate drama with Trump, netizens react to 'eye rolls and exaggerated smiles'

Vice President Kamala Harris found herself under a social media microscope following her appearance in Tuesday’s ABC News Presidential Debate against former President Trump. The spotlight shifted from policy to performance as Harris' animated facial expressions were broadcasted on split screens, capturing the attention—and criticism—of viewers and commentators alike.
Throughout Trump's responses, Harris was caught on camera rolling her eyes, furrowing her brow, and showcasing exaggerated smiles.With both candidates’ microphones muted during the other's speaking time—a rule Harris' campaign had unsuccessfully challenged—her only outlet for reaction was through these vivid facial gestures.

Social media erupted with mixed reactions. Critics slammed her expressions as rehearsed and lacking authenticity. “Kamala Harris is doing obviously rehearsed routines instead of answering questions. Then she does rehearsed and exaggerated facial expressions when Trump talks. She comes across as fake and weak,” tweeted New York Post columnist Miranda Devine.

Pollster Frank Luntz commented, “On content, Harris is winning. Visually, she's hurting herself. #Debate2024,” while conservative writer Carmine Sabia noted, “Kamala Harris has been way over coached on doing facial expressions because of the muted mics. It is uncomfortable and weird.”



Others, like Fox News correspondent Aisha Hasnie, questioned the impact of her expressions: “So far... HARRIS is making faces way more than TRUMP on this split screen. DK how that's going to resonate with voters.”

Critics even drew comparisons to past debates. “Harris displayed many of the same expressions that went viral during the 2020 vice presidential debate where she faced off against Mike Pence,” noted journalist Ian Miles Cheong.