Kamala Harris’ ‘Drag Race’ cameo draws mixed reviews: ‘this might have broken the cringe-o-meter’
Presidential hopeful Kamala Harris became the first sitting vice president to sashay into the werkroom this week after sharing a get-out-the-vote message on “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars,” leading to a mix of cheers and jeers online.
“Each day, we are seeing our rights and freedoms under attack, including the right of everyone to be who they are, love who they love, openly and with pride,” Harris, 59, said in the clip that was teased Thursday but slated to air at the top of the Season 9 finale Friday.
“So as we fight back against these attacks, let’s all remember, no one is alone,” continued Harris, flanked by RuPaul regulars Michelle Visage and Jamal Sims, *NSYNC singer Lance Bass, “Ghostbusters” actress Leslie Jones and “American Horror Story” actor Cheyenne Jackson — all LGBQT+ icons.
“We are all in this together and your vote is your power. So please make sure your voice is heard this November and register to vote at vote.gov.”
Following the ex-California attorney general’s message, Jackson asked: “Can I get an amen?!”
Jones then seriously says, “You betta vote!” before the group of six breaks out in dance — and Harris breaks out in her notorious cackling laugh.
The minute-long clip drew mixed opinions across social media, with some praising Harris’ history-making appearance — which was filmed well ahead of her candidacy announcement and coincidentally aired days after President Biden’s endorsement.
“She knows her audience,” one X user wrote.
“That’s herstery,” said another.
“I just know that’s gonna piss off a lot of people … and I’m here for it,” a third declared.
There were plenty of social media users who chastised Harris’ message, however.
“This might have broken the cringe o meter … Wow,” one disappointed X user wrote.
“I’m not saying give blind loyalty to Republicans but I hope my Black folks get a good look at who she’s aligning herself with. She’s not coming to save you,” wrote another.
While she is the first sitting vice president — and presidential candidate — to appear in the werkroom, the backstage area where contestants transform into drag queens for their on-stage performances, Harris’ visit does not mark the first time a political figure has made a cameo on the show.
Then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi made two appearances on the show in 2018 and in 2022, making a voting pitch similar to Harris: “It’s very important for people to make their voices and their vote heard.”
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) sat on the judges’ panel in 2020.
The clip comes just four days after Harris announced that she would seek the nomination of the Democratic Party after Biden said he would withdraw from the race and endorsed her.
