Meet Estee Palti, Harris impersonator, who has mastered the 'Kamala cackle'

Estee Palti is a New York-based nurse and comedian who gained widespread attention for her uncanny impersonations of Vice President Kamala Harris. Born into a Bukharan Jewish family, Palti began her journey in comedy during the pandemic in 2020 when a friend suggested she sounded remarkably like Harris. Leveraging platforms like TikTok under the handle , Palti quickly amassed a significant following thanks to her comedic take on Harris' speeches, mannerisms, and signature laugh, often referred to as the “Kamala cackle.”

Her impressions are known for being satirical and politically charged, as Palti’s own conservative views contrast starkly with those of the Vice President.This angle has resonated with a largely right-leaning audience, and her content has gained traction on platforms such as Fox News, Sky News Australia, and Rebel News, where she regularly produces humorous takes on Harris’ public appearances and political statements. Palti’s ability to mimic Harris' cadence, facial expressions, and infamous laugh has made her a standout in the world of political satire.

Her comedic career is notable not only for its viral success but also for the controversy it has sparked. Palti has faced censorship on platforms such as TikTok, where her content was demonetised, primarily due to her outspoken support for Israel and her critiques of anti-Israel rhetoric. Despite these challenges, Palti remains undeterred, continuing to create content and share her views on social media. She frequently critiques mainstream media and left-leaning figures for avoiding satire of prominent political leaders, including Harris, arguing that comedy should be an equal-opportunity platform for political critique.
Palti’s Harris impersonations have placed her alongside other prominent comedians who parody political figures, yet her approach is notably distinct. Unlike Maya Rudolph’s lighthearted portrayal of Harris on SNL, Palti’s impressions are sharper and more politically provocative. Her rise to fame highlights the growing divide in comedic approaches to political figures, with Palti leaning heavily into satire that reflects her conservative worldview.
In addition to her impersonations, Palti is a vocal supporter of Jewish and Zionist causes, regularly using her platform to express her views on antisemitism and the political tensions surrounding Israel. This has made her a polarising figure, as she navigates both acclaim for her comedic talents and criticism for her outspoken political beliefs. Despite the backlash, Palti continues to build her brand, focusing on providing a humorous yet critical lens through which to view contemporary politics.