Drew Barrymore urged VP Kamala Harris to be 'Mamala of the country.' The internet recoiled

Drew Barrymore pleaded with Vice President Kamala Harris earlier this week for the politician to be a mother figure to the United States. That sentiment has since unleashed waves of backlash from multiple communities on social media.

In the Monday episode of "The Drew Barrymore Show," the former child star welcomed the vice president to her single-couch set where — in front of an all-female audience — they shared their experiences of being part of a blended family. Harris, married to Douglas Emhoff, is the stepmother to Ella Emhoff and Cole Emhoff. However, she isn't a fan of the "step" title, she told Barrymore.

"We kinda don't use the term 'step,'" she explained, noting Disney's often negative depictions of stepparents. "Their word for me is 'Mamala.' So they call me 'Mamala."

After Harris recalled growing her connection with her husband's children from a previous union, Barrymore abruptly shifted the conversation. "I keep thinking in my head that we all need a mom," she told her guest. "I've been thinking that we really all need a tremendous hug in the world right now."

"But in our country, we need you to be 'Mamala' of the country," Barrymore added, locking eyes with the vice president, who nodded her head.

Clips of Barrymore's praise, and Harris' subdued response, spread on social media, sparking memes and passionate reactions. By Tuesday, X (formerly Twitter) users saw Barrymore's exchange as "cringe" material.

A representative for the "Drew Barrymore Show" did not immediately respond to The Times' request for comment.

"That moment a crazy lady asks you to be momala of the country," one X user captioned a photo of Harris pursing her lips during the viral moment.

"Noooo she did NOT ask her to be the nations momala that's insane," tweeted another user.

For other social media critics, Barrymore, who is white, pleading to Harris, who has Black and South Asian roots, was more than just cringe-inducing. Several users accused the "E.T." and "Never Been Kissed" star of evoking the racist mammy stereotype: a Black woman, usually enslaved, tasked with taking care of white Americans and their children.

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