Kamala Harris could make history as the first African American woman and first person of South Asian origin to reach the White House. He does so with barely any reference to his gender or race and with the promise of opening a “new chapter” in United States politics.
The career of Harris, 60, has been marked by firsts: she was the first black district attorney and the first woman to serve as attorney general in California; the first Indian-American to serve in the Senate and, when Joe Biden elected her, the first woman Vice President.
However, he has preferred not to emphasize the historical nature of his possible arrival at the White House, in contrast to Hillary Clinton’s campaign in 2016.
In her biography, ‘The Truths We Hold’, she explains that she prefers to describe herself simply as “an American” and says she feels comfortable with her identity as a mixed-race woman, despite attacks from Trump, who has questioned whether she is African American enough.
Proud of its origin
Harris is proud of her African American and Indian heritage. Her name, which some Republicans pretend not to know how to pronounce in order to attack her, means “lotus flower,” a plant that emerges to the surface only when its roots are well anchored.
Born on October 20, 1964 in Oakland, California, she is the eldest daughter of Shyamala Gopalan, a cancer researcher from India, and Donald Harris, a Jamaican economist, who divorced when she was seven years old.
His mother, who died in 2009, was a central figure in his life and the person he turned to at a decisive moment for his future.
During her adolescence, her best friend from high school confessed to having been a victim of sexual abuse by her stepfather. Harris did not hesitate to call her mother on the phone so that her friend could move in with them.
It was then that she found her calling and decided to dedicate herself to protecting victims of any crime, which propelled her to become district attorney in San Francisco (2004-2011) and then attorney general of California (2011-2017).
In 2016 he won a seat in the Senate and quickly stood out for his incisive questions to members of the Trump Administration (2017-2021), as well as two judges nominated by him for the Supreme Court, including Brett Kavanaugh, accused of sexual abuse .
Race with Biden
In 2020 he launched himself to compete for the Democratic presidential nomination, but had difficulty defining his proposals. Biden ended up being the party’s candidate and chose her for the Vice Presidency.
Harris, married since 2014 to lawyer Douglas Emhoff, was barely able to shine in the White House. Biden tasked him with tackling the “root causes” of migration in Central America, a cursed issue in US policy that has been without a solution for decades.
As part of that work, he traveled to Guatemala, where he had one of his most controversial moments when he told migrants trying to enter the United States: “Don’t come.”
After a wave of criticism for the apparent lack of empathy, Harris retreated from the public eye. It came up again when the Supreme Court annulled the right to abortion at the federal level in June 2022, channeling the indignation of millions of women.
Thus, when Biden ended his electoral career in July of this year, Harris quickly built her candidacy around the concept of freedom: freedom for women to decide about their bodies and for every American to aspire to a better life.
To the rhythm of Beyoncé’s song ‘Freedom’, he has toured the country shouting “we are not going back” and proclaiming that the US must decide at the polls if it wants a country of “chaos” and “hate” like the one Trump established or one of “freedom” and “hope.”
The promise
His promise has been to unite the nation after years of tension and to do so he has resorted to patriotic symbols, filling his rallies with US flags and adding support from Republican figures such as former congresswoman Liz Cheney, daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney. (2001-2009).
Harris, who worked at a McDonald’s as a child, has positioned herself as the middle-class candidate with the will to reduce the prices of housing, food and medicine.
It remains to be seen if the US has heard his message and if that determination to change the course of the country convinces enough voters to make history.
Washington / EFE
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Interviews for decades.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today to discuss the historical significance of Kamala Harris’s vice presidency and her potential bid for the presidency. With her as the first woman, African American, and person of South Asian descent in such high office, how do you view her impact on U.S. politics?
**Alex Reed:** Thank you for having me. Kamala Harris’s election as vice president marked a significant step in breaking barriers in U.S. politics. It’s crucial because it showcases a broader representation of America’s diverse population, especially for women and people of color. Her historic presence signals to younger generations that they can aspire to the highest offices in the land, regardless of their background.
**Interviewer:** It’s interesting that Harris has chosen not to emphasize her historical significance, unlike previous candidates like Hillary Clinton. Why do you think she has adopted this approach?
**Alex Reed:** Harris’s strategy appears to be focused on presenting herself as a unifying figure rather than emphasizing her identity. She wants her policies and leadership to define her legacy rather than her race or gender. This could help her appeal to a wider voter base. It’s about showcasing her capability as a leader in addressing core issues facing the nation.
**Interviewer:** In her biography, she mentions preferring to describe herself simply as “an American.” How does this resonate with her supporters and critics?
**Alex Reed:** Her identification as “an American” resonates strongly with many supporters who appreciate her desire to transcend labels. However, critics, including some from opposing parties, have questioned her authenticity and connection to her heritage. This dichotomy showcases the ongoing struggle around identity in politics, where voters often expect candidates to be representatives of their racial or ethnic communities.
**Interviewer:** Harris has been vocal about her heritage. Can you tell us more about her upbringing and how it might have shaped her political career?
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely. Harris was raised in a multicultural environment, with a Jamaican father and an Indian mother. This diverse background likely instilled in her a sense of social justice, especially with her mother’s influence as a cancer researcher and activist. Harris’s commitment to protecting victims ties back to her adolescent experiences, revealing her empathy and drive for advocacy. These personal stories have fueled her political ambitions, providing a nuanced perspective on issues like immigration and criminal justice.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, as Vice President, she has been tasked with addressing the “root causes” of migration in Central America. Given the complexities of this issue, do you think she has the potential to make significant changes?
**Alex Reed:** The root causes of migration are deeply ingrained in economic and social issues. While her role can facilitate discussions and propose policies, effecting real change will require collaboration with multiple stakeholders and a comprehensive approach. If anyone understands the importance of empathy in leadership, it’s Harris, and I believe her efforts can bring attention to this long-ignored dilemma, although actual success will take time and perseverance.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights on Kamala Harris. It’s clear that her journey reflects a larger narrative of progress and challenges in American politics.
**Alex Reed:** Thank you for having me. It’s an important conversation, and I look forward to seeing how her story continues to unfold.
