Kamala's Way

1. Kamala Harris: Daughter of Immigrants, Shaped by Berkeley's Diversity

"A culture that worships goddesses produces strong women."

Multicultural upbringing. Born in 1964 to immigrant parents from India and Jamaica, Kamala Harris grew up in Berkeley, California, a hotbed of civil rights activism. Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, was a breast cancer researcher who instilled in her daughters a strong sense of justice and civic duty. Harris's early years were marked by exposure to diverse cultures and progressive ideals.

Education and values. Harris attended Berkeley's newly integrated schools, experiencing firsthand the impact of desegregation policies. This early exposure to social justice issues profoundly influenced her worldview and future career choices. Her mother's emphasis on education and empowerment led Harris to pursue higher education at Howard University, a historically Black college, further shaping her identity and aspirations.

2. From Prosecutor to Politician: Harris's Rise in California Politics

"I gave my word to the people of San Francisco that I oppose the death penalty and I will honor that commitment despite the strong emotions evoked by this case."

Career beginnings. Harris began her career as a deputy district attorney in Alameda County, gaining experience in prosecuting various crimes. Her reputation as a skilled and ambitious prosecutor led to her election as San Francisco's District Attorney in 2003, making her the first woman and person of color to hold that position.

Controversial decisions. As District Attorney, Harris faced criticism for her decision not to seek the death penalty for a cop killer, highlighting her complex relationship with law enforcement and her commitment to her principles. This stance, while unpopular with some, demonstrated her willingness to make difficult decisions based on her beliefs.

Key positions held:

• San Francisco District Attorney (2004-2011)
• California Attorney General (2011-2017)
• U.S. Senator (2017-2021)

3. Breaking Barriers: Harris's Historic Roles and Challenges

"You may be the first to do many things, but make sure you are not the last."

Groundbreaking achievements. Throughout her career, Harris has consistently broken barriers:
First woman and person of color to be:

• San Francisco District Attorney
• California Attorney General
• U.S. Senator from California
  First woman, first Black person, and first person of South Asian descent to be:
• Vice President of the United States

Overcoming obstacles. Despite facing sexism and racism, Harris persevered, often drawing strength from her mother's advice. Her success in traditionally male-dominated fields of law enforcement and politics paved the way for other women and people of color to follow in her footsteps.

4. The Mortgage Crisis: Harris's Fight Against Wall Street

"It's about diagnosis and then there needs to be treatment, right? That's also speaking truth—the diagnosis: You have cancer. So that is the truth, now let's deal with it: What's the treatment required?"

Taking on big banks. As California Attorney General during the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, Harris played a crucial role in negotiating a settlement with major banks over mortgage abuses. Her tough stance and negotiation skills resulted in a $20 billion settlement for California homeowners, significantly more than initially offered.

Legislative action. Harris championed the California Homeowner Bill of Rights, which provided protections for homeowners facing foreclosure. This legislation became a model for other states and demonstrated Harris's ability to translate her legal experience into effective policy-making.

Key outcomes of Harris's efforts:

• $20 billion settlement for California homeowners
• Increased protections against foreclosure
• Improved transparency in mortgage processes

5. Criminal Justice Reform: Harris's Complex Legacy as Prosecutor

"Smart on crime" rather than "tough on crime."

Innovative programs. As District Attorney and Attorney General, Harris implemented several progressive initiatives:

• Back on Track: A program to reduce recidivism among non-violent offenders
• Open Justice: An online platform providing public access to criminal justice data
• Implicit bias training for law enforcement officers

Criticism and controversy. Despite her reform efforts, Harris faced criticism from some progressive activists for not being aggressive enough in prosecuting police misconduct and for supporting policies that disproportionately affected communities of color. This complex legacy would later become a point of contention during her presidential campaign.

6. Harris's Senate Career: Resistance and Viral Moments

"I'm asking the questions."

Challenging Trump administration. As a U.S. Senator, Harris gained national attention for her sharp questioning of Trump administration officials during Senate hearings. Her prosecutorial skills were on full display as she grilled nominees like Jeff Sessions and Brett Kavanaugh, often creating viral moments that resonated with Democratic voters.

Legislative priorities. In the Senate, Harris focused on issues such as:

• Immigration reform
• Criminal justice reform
• Climate change
• Healthcare access

Her ability to articulate complex issues and stand up to powerful figures helped elevate her national profile and set the stage for her presidential run.

7. The Presidential Run: Highs, Lows, and Biden's VP Pick

"That little girl was me."

Campaign launch and initial momentum. Harris launched her presidential campaign in January 2019 with a massive rally in Oakland, drawing comparisons to Barack Obama's 2008 campaign. Her strong performance in early debates, particularly her confrontation with Joe Biden over his past stance on busing, catapulted her into the top tier of candidates.

Campaign struggles and withdrawal. Despite early promise, Harris's campaign struggled with messaging inconsistencies and internal conflicts. Unable to maintain momentum and facing financial difficulties, she withdrew from the race in December 2019.

VP selection and historic ticket. In August 2020, Joe Biden selected Harris as his running mate, making her the first woman of color on a major party's presidential ticket. Their subsequent victory marked a historic moment in American politics, with Harris becoming the highest-ranking woman in U.S. government history.

Factors in Biden's VP selection:

• Harris's experience and qualifications
• Her appeal to diverse voters
• Their shared vision for the country
• The historic nature of her candidacy

Last updated: November 18, 2024