Kerry Washington, with adorable helpers, tells DNC crowd how to say Kamala Harris’ name

“Scandal” star Kerry Washington appeared on the Democratic National Convention to offer a demonstration on how to pronounce Vice President Kamala Harris’s first name.

On the Chicago stage, the actor made a dig at Republicans who she claims are purposely mispronouncing the Democratic nominee’s name. Former president Donald Trump has repeatedly mispronounced and mocked Harris’ first name including at a July 24 rally in Charlotte.

“It’s come to my attention that there are some folks who struggle or pretend to struggle with the proper pronunciation of our future president’s name,” Washington said. “So hear me out. Confusion is understandable. Disrespect is not. So tonight, we are going to help everyone get it right.”

Washington proceeded to introduce Harris’ grandnieces Amara and Leila onto the stage to properly pronounced “Kamala.”

The first part of her name, the girls said, is ‘comma’, like in a sentence; and the second part, is ‘la’.

The actor then asked the DNC audience to join them in chanting the name.

Before the demonstration, the actor urged voters to remember that they are the lead characters in the story of this nation.

Washington also brought on “Scandal” co-star Tony Goldwyn, who played President President Fitzgerald Grant, on stage to chant “When Kamala wins, America wins.”

Not just Republicans: Bill Clinton mispronounces Harris’ name on night 3

During a Wednesday night endorsement speech, former president Bill Clinton mistakenly mispronounced Harris’ first name. While pronouncing it right at first she later mispronounced referred to Harris as “KAmahla” instead of the accurate “KAHmala.”

Clinton also applauded President Joe Biden for the added sense of pride within the Democratic party since he took office in 2020.

Clinton, in a lengthy speech, also criticized Republican’s economic record at at Trump himself for, including his tendency to mention fictional characters like Hannibal Lecter in his speeches.

“When you send a signal to other countries you want them to know, whether they agree with you or not, that you’re on the level about what you say and what you believe,” Clinton said. “What are they supposed to think about the endless tributes to the late great Hannibal Lecter?”

DNC live updates: Elizabeth Warren, Steph Curry speak; Kamala Harris to take the stage

How to watch and stream the 2024 DNC

The convention will air live on its website, from the United Center in Chicago between 6:15 p.m. and 11 p.m. Eastern (5:15 p.m. to 10 p.m Central) on Monday, and 7 p.m to 11 p.m. Eastern (6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Central) the other days.

USA TODAY will provide livestream coverage on YouTube each night of the DNC, Monday through Thursday.

What are the themes for each night of the DNC?

The DNC announced nightly themes for the convention. The title of the convention is “For the People, For Our Future.”

Here are the themes for each night:

• Monday: “For the People”
• Tuesday: “A Bold Vision for America’s Future”
• Wednesday: “A Fight for our Freedoms”
• Thursday: “For our Future”

Contributing: James Powel