Harris criticized for adopting ‘kindergarten teacher mode’ while speaking to Georgia high school students

Walz, a former high school teacher and coach, began the visit Wednesday by talking about the importance of education and telling students that they are the future. He introduced Harris as “a great head coach” and the “next president of the United States.”

“We wanted to come here to let you know that our country is counting on all of you. You are leaders just by being here in this room,” Harris said, making large gestures with her hands and arms.

He continued speaking in incomplete sentences and making more hand gestures. “Doing what you do at this amazing school. Doing it as a great team. Understanding all the different parts that fit together to create a team,” he said.

“You are doing some of the best work any of you can do and we are so proud of you. We are counting on you,” he said.

The Vice President elaborated on her thoughts on leadership.

“Your generation, everything you stand for, everything you have at stake, is what will propel our country into the next era of what we can do,” the presidential candidate said.

His talk became more inspiring as he turned to a different side of the room.

“I want to tell you that you should always lead however you choose to lead. Understand that you don’t have to ask anyone for permission. And I think all of you can see that. You’ve chosen to be a leader. And by doing so, you’re also role models, right? Welcome to the role model club,” Harris said. “Being a role model means that there are members of your family, that live in your neighborhood, your classmates, that look up to you and see that this is how it’s done.”

Harris shared more wisdom with the Georgia teens about hard work and being a role model.

“You are showing what can be achieved with hard work, with discipline and with teamwork, and that is what it takes to be a great leader. All of you,” he said.

She then told them how proud she and Walz were of their hard work.

“We wanted to come and remind you that our nation is counting on you. We are very proud of you and everything you have accomplished,” said the Democratic presidential candidate.

Harris said he was in a band when he was in high school and acknowledged that there is “a lot” of practice and rehearsal.

MSNBC host Jen Psaki praised Harris’s speech and the “authenticity” of the high school stop.

“If they’re performing at a high school, it probably appeals to parents and people who have kids who are in bands and grandparents and things like that. But I also love these local stops, because it shows you the authenticity. You look at that and you compare it to JD Vance at the donut shop,” said Biden’s former press secretary.

Social media users had a mixed reaction to Harris’ talk, saying it reminded them of her previous “kindergarten teacher” manner when speaking to large audiences.