Kamala Harris has faced her share of criticism over the years, with skeptics questioning her capability to be a heartbeat away from the US presidency. However, Harris, the first woman and the first Black and South Asian vice president in US history, is now seen by many Democrats as their best hope to thwart Donald Trump’s resurgence.
Despite her groundbreaking achievements, the 59-year-old Democrat has long struggled with approval ratings that have at times been worse than President Joe Biden’s. The past year, however, has seen a transformation in Harris’s public perception. With Biden’s surprising decision to step aside from the 2024 presidential race, endorsing Harris for the Democratic nomination, she now stands on the brink of making history.
In a statement lauding Biden’s tenure as “unmatched in modern American history,” Harris pledged to “earn and win” the nomination, vowing to unite the Democratic Party and the nation to defeat Trump. Harris’s emergence as a formidable force on the campaign trail has been evident, particularly in her advocacy for abortion rights and outreach to key voter demographics, including suburban women and Black men.
Known for her frankness, sometimes using the f-bomb, and her family nickname “Momala” gaining viral traction, Harris has started to connect with voters who previously overlooked her. Her loyalty to Biden, even as doubts about his candidacy grew, has earned her respect within party circles. Now, she seems poised to face Trump in what promises to be a fierce battle, reminiscent of Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign.
‘Ready to Serve’
Kamala Harris’s background is a testament to the American dream. The daughter of immigrant parents—her father from Jamaica and her mother from India—Harris grew up in Oakland, California, in an activist household. Her early exposure to civil rights issues set the stage for a career focused on justice and advocacy.
Harris’s impressive career trajectory includes being California’s first Black attorney general and the first woman of South Asian heritage elected to the US Senate. During the 2020 primaries, Harris did not shy away from challenging Biden, notably criticizing him for his past opposition to busing students to desegregated schools. However, as his running mate, she helped solidify the coalition that ultimately defeated Trump.
Transitioning to the vice presidency was challenging for Harris. Critics often described her performance as underwhelming, citing gaffes and a perceived struggle to define her role. Tasked with addressing the root causes of illegal migration, Harris faced backlash for her handling of the issue, including a defensive response during a visit to the Mexican border. High staff turnover within her office further fueled rumors of discontent.
Republicans have frequently targeted Harris with attacks that her supporters decry as sexist and racist, questioning her fitness to assume the presidency if necessary. In February, Harris confidently told the Wall Street Journal, “I am ready to serve. There’s no question about that.”
‘Momala’
As the 2024 election cycle began, Harris’s fortunes started to shift. The Biden campaign frequently dispatched her to key battleground states to emphasize the party’s stance on abortion rights, making her the first vice president to visit an abortion clinic. This move resonated with many voters, leading to more enthusiastic and engaged crowds at her events.
Some of Harris’s outreach efforts have been met with mockery, such as when she revealed to Drew Barrymore that her family sometimes calls her “Momala,” prompting Barrymore to suggest, “We need you to be Momala of the country.” Despite such moments, voter sentiment appears to be turning in Harris’s favor. A viral clip of her quoting her mother’s saying, “You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?” has become a meme, contributing to a growing sense that her time might have come.
If elected, Harris would shatter one of the last remaining glass ceilings for women in the US, becoming the country’s first female president. Her husband, Douglas Emhoff, would also make history, transitioning from Second Gentleman to First Gentleman.
Kamala Harris stands on the cusp of a historic breakthrough. Her journey from a child of immigrants to potentially the highest office in the land is a testament to her resilience and determination. As the Democratic Party rallies behind her, Harris prepares for what could be the fight of her life against Donald Trump, aiming to unite the nation and break one of its highest glass ceilings.
