The selection of Kamala Harris as the running mate of Joe Biden in the 2020 U.S. presidential election was historic in numerous ways. As the first Black woman, the first South Asian American, and only the fourth woman ever to be nominated on a major party’s presidential ticket, Harris’s candidacy marked a turning point in U.S. politics. Not only did her nomination reflect the growing diversity of the Democratic Party, but it also underscored the increasing role of women and people of color in American leadership.
Kamala Harris, a former prosecutor, attorney general, and senator from California, became a powerful figure in American politics long before she joined the Biden campaign. Her unique background, fierce advocacy for justice, and commanding presence on the debate stage made her an ideal running mate for Biden. The combination of their contrasting political styles—Biden’s decades of experience and Harris’s fresh, bold approach—helped them win the presidency. Harris’s ascension to the vice presidency signifies more than a personal victory; it is symbolic of a shifting political landscape in America.
In this article, we will explore Kamala Harris’s journey, her role as Joe Biden’s running mate, and the impact she has had on American politics, particularly as Vice President of the United States.
Kamala Harris’s Early Life: A Legacy of Activism and Advocacy
Born in Oakland, California, on October 20, 1964, Kamala Devi Harris was raised in a household steeped in activism and public service. Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was a biomedical scientist and breast cancer researcher from India, and her father, Donald Harris, is an economist from Jamaica. Growing up in a biracial family during the civil rights movement had a profound influence on Harris. She was introduced to political activism early in life, attending protests and marches alongside her parents.
Harris’s upbringing shaped her worldview, particularly in relation to social justice. As a young woman, she attended Howard University, one of the most prestigious historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), where she majored in political science and economics. After Howard, she attended the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, earning her law degree and setting her sights on a career in public service.
Her early professional experiences, including a stint as a deputy district attorney in Alameda County, California, showed her passion for advocating for marginalized communities and protecting public safety. As she rose through the ranks of California’s legal system, Harris developed a reputation as a tough prosecutor with a commitment to reforming the justice system from within. This blend of pragmatism and idealism would later define her political career.
The Rise of a Political Star: Attorney General and U.S. Senator
Kamala Harris’s career trajectory took a significant leap forward in 2003 when she was elected as San Francisco’s District Attorney. She was the first woman, the first African American, and the first South Asian to hold that office. Her tenure as DA was marked by several high-profile initiatives aimed at addressing recidivism and improving the fairness of the criminal justice system. Harris launched innovative programs like “Back on Track,” which helped first-time drug offenders find jobs instead of serving time in prison, setting a precedent for her approach to balancing criminal justice reform with public safety.
In 2010, Harris achieved another historic milestone when she was elected as California’s Attorney General. As the state’s top law enforcement official, she continued to champion progressive policies, particularly in areas such as consumer protection, environmental justice, and immigrant rights. She also gained national attention for her role in securing a $25 billion settlement for homeowners affected by the foreclosure crisis and her strong stance against the death penalty, despite facing political pushback.
By the time Harris entered the U.S. Senate in 2017, she was already seen as a rising star in the Democratic Party. Her work in the Senate further bolstered her reputation as a fearless advocate for justice. Whether grilling Trump administration officials during Senate hearings or advocating for criminal justice reform, Harris established herself as one of the most prominent voices in the Senate. Her ability to ask tough, incisive questions during hearings, such as her grilling of then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions during the Russia investigation, made her a household name.
Running Mate Kamala Harris: The Perfect Fit for Biden
In August 2020, Joe Biden made the historic decision to select Kamala Harris as his running mate in the 2020 U.S. presidential election. Biden’s choice reflected his desire to have a partner who could both appeal to a broad spectrum of voters and take on the vital task of leading a divided nation. For Biden, Harris was the perfect running mate—someone who could energize voters, particularly women, people of color, and younger Americans, while also bringing the experience and political acumen needed to help navigate a challenging political landscape.
Harris brought several key advantages to the Biden campaign. First, her dynamic persona and sharp debating skills made her a formidable opponent to then-Vice President Mike Pence during the debates. Her performance during the only vice-presidential debate in October 2020 earned her praise for her calm, composed demeanor and her ability to deliver pointed, effective rebuttals.
Second, Harris’s ability to connect with a wide array of voters, from suburban women to urban youth, helped mobilize key demographics for the Democratic ticket. Her background as the daughter of immigrants and her identity as a Black and South Asian woman allowed her to speak directly to the lived experiences of millions of Americans. Her nomination also carried a symbolic weight—it represented a breaking of glass ceilings and a hope for a more inclusive political future.
The Impact of Kamala Harris as Vice President
Kamala Harris’s role as the first female vice president of the United States is monumental, both symbolically and practically. As vice president, Harris has had to navigate a range of complex issues, from the COVID-19 pandemic and economic recovery to immigration reform and voting rights. In doing so, she has worked closely with President Biden, often playing a key role in shaping the administration’s policy agenda.
One of Harris’s most significant roles has been as a tie-breaking vote in the Senate. With a 50-50 split between Democrats and Republicans, Harris has cast several decisive votes on critical legislation, including COVID-19 relief bills and infrastructure spending. This unique position has placed her at the center of some of the most important legislative battles in modern U.S. history.
In addition to her role in the Senate, Harris has been tasked with leading several high-profile initiatives, including addressing the root causes of migration from Central America and advocating for voting rights protection. Both of these issues are fraught with political challenges, yet Harris has approached them with her characteristic tenacity and commitment to justice.
Harris’s role in international diplomacy has also expanded as vice president. She has represented the United States on the global stage, meeting with world leaders and addressing critical international issues such as climate change, global health, and economic cooperation. Her ability to navigate the complex world of international politics has further solidified her status as a leader to watch on the global stage.
Kamala Harris’s Legacy: Breaking Barriers and Paving the Way
Kamala Harris’s journey from a young girl growing up in Oakland to becoming the vice president of the United States is nothing short of extraordinary. As Biden’s running mate and now as vice president, Harris has redefined what is possible for women and people of color in U.S. politics. Her presence in the White House serves as a powerful reminder of the progress the country has made, as well as the work that still needs to be done.
For many, Harris is not just a politician but a symbol of hope and possibility. Her story speaks to the resilience, determination, and strength required to succeed in a political landscape that has historically excluded women and minorities. As she continues to navigate the challenges of being vice president, there is no doubt that Kamala Harris will leave an indelible mark on American politics for generations to come.
In conclusion, Kamala Harris’s selection as Joe Biden’s running mate and her eventual rise to the vice presidency has reshaped the political narrative in the United States. Her influence, from energizing the Democratic base to playing a crucial role in governance, is undeniable. As the first woman, the first Black woman, and the first South Asian American to serve as vice president, Kamala Harris represents the changing face of American politics and the ongoing fight for equality and representation in leadership.
