Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee for the upcoming presidential election, is preparing to step into the spotlight at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. This moment, which many in her party once doubted she would reach, marks the culmination of a career filled with both promise and challenges. As she stands on the verge of potentially becoming the first female president of the United States, Harris faces the dual challenge of uniting a divided Democratic Party and proving her ability to lead the nation.
Harris’s journey to this moment has been marked by both triumphs and setbacks. As a former San Francisco district attorney and California attorney general, she was seen as a rising star within the Democratic Party. Her sharp prosecutorial skills and ability to navigate complex political landscapes earned her the endorsement of President Barack Obama in her 2010 race for attorney general of California. However, her career has also been controversial, particularly her handling of the death penalty as a prosecutor, which has drawn both praise and criticism.
Her rise to national prominence began with her election to the U.S. Senate in 2016, the same night Donald Trump won the presidency. Harris quickly made a name for herself with her pointed and direct questioning during high-profile hearings, most notably during the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. This made her a household name and fueled speculation about her future presidential ambitions.
However, her initial bid for the presidency in 2019 ended in disappointment. Despite a strong start, her campaign faltered due to a lack of clear political identity and internal campaign strife. Critics argued that while she endorsed a range of progressive policies, she struggled to present a coherent vision that distinguished her from other candidates. Her campaign ended before the first primary ballots were cast, leaving many to question her political acumen.
Despite these setbacks, Joe Biden selected Harris as his running mate in 2020, making her the first woman of color to be nominated for vice president by a major political party. Her historic election as vice president in 2021 was seen as a significant milestone, but her early tenure was rocky. High-profile missteps during foreign trips, staff turnover, and low approval ratings marred her first years in office. Critics labeled her a “prop” in the Biden administration, as she struggled to define her role beyond the traditional ceremonial duties of the vice presidency.
However, Harris has gradually rebuilt her political standing, particularly on issues like abortion rights, where she has become a leading voice in the Democratic Party. The leaked draft opinion from the Supreme Court in May 2022, indicating the potential overturning of Roe v. Wade, gave Harris the opportunity to take center stage on an issue that energizes the Democratic base. Her advocacy on this issue, coupled with her growing foreign policy experience, has helped her to build a loyal coalition within the party.
As she prepares to formally accept the Democratic nomination, Harris has an opportunity to reintroduce herself to the American public and solidify her position as the party’s leader. With fewer than 80 days until the election, she will need to reassure Democrats that she is capable of defeating Donald Trump in what promises to be a tight and unpredictable race. This moment is not just a test of her political skills but also a chance to make history as the first female president of the United States.
