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The interviews were conducted by Asheley Landrum, a child development expert and media psychologist from Arizona State University, and Shanto Iyengar, a political science professor from Stanford University. Their primary goal was to understand how America’s youngest generation is processing the current political atmosphere, especially in such a polarized environment. The researchers used photographs and visual prompts to ask a range of questions about the 2024 candidates, including who the kids believed would make them feel safer and who they thought was more honest.
During the spring interviews, when President Joe Biden was still running for re-election, the students—then in fourth grade—offered their thoughts. Fast forward to the fall, with Vice President Kamala Harris now stepping in as the Democratic nominee, the kids, now in fifth grade, shared their updated perspectives.
Then came the moment that has now caught the attention of conservative audiences. When asked, “What’s the first word that pops into your head when you hear the name Kamala Harris?” one 10-year-old boy didn’t hesitate for a second: “Liar!”
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That single word sent shockwaves through the interview, as it was an unfiltered, candid response from a child who hasn’t yet been tainted by the political rhetoric that so often muddies adult conversations. While it’s common for media outlets to dismiss young children’s political views as immature or lacking depth, the raw honesty of the response, especially in the current climate of distrust in political figures, resonated with many on the right.
This blunt comment speaks to a larger issue: the growing disillusionment with the current administration, even among young Americans who are barely old enough to understand politics. It suggests that the image Kamala Harris has cultivated over the years is not resonating well with everyone, including the next generation of voters.
For CNN, a network known for shielding Democrats from heavy criticism, this moment likely felt awkward and unexpected. Their intent may have been to showcase an informed, young electorate, but instead, they found themselves airing criticism of the very leaders they often defend.
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Vice President Kamala Harris, who has faced scrutiny throughout her time in office, has been portrayed in the media as a divisive figure, particularly among conservative circles. To hear a 10-year-old call her a “liar” adds to the perception that Harris has failed to connect with a broad spectrum of Americans. This sentiment is particularly significant because it is being echoed by someone so young—someone who isn’t yet eligible to vote but is already forming strong opinions about political figures.
Whether this will have a larger impact on Harris’s chances in the 2024 election remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the dissatisfaction with the current political landscape isn’t just limited to adults. Young Americans, many of whom have grown up in a deeply divided country, are also forming opinions—often harsh ones—about their leaders.
As the 2024 election draws nearer, interviews like these may continue to reveal the honest, unvarnished views of the next generation. And for politicians like Kamala Harris, it might be time to reconsider how they’re connecting with the American people. Even the youngest voices, it seems, are paying attention.
