Astead W. Herndon, a national politics reporter and host of "The Run-Up," dives deep into Kamala Harris's journey to becoming Vice President. He explores her resilient upbringing, shaped by immigrant parents and civil rights activism, and how this informs her leadership style. The discussion highlights her evolution from senator to key Democratic figure and examines her advocacy for women's rights. Her complex navigation of identity and public perception provides insight into the challenges she faces as she reintroduces herself to the nation.
Kamala Harris's upbringing in a multicultural environment deeply shaped her beliefs on civil rights and representation in power structures.
Her transition from prosecutor to Vice President reflects her efforts to navigate party dynamics and address complex social issues amid evolving political landscapes.
Deep dives
Kamala Harris's Formative Years
Kamala Harris's upbringing in Oakland during the racially charged backdrop of the 1960s Bay Area greatly influenced her identity and beliefs. Raised by activist parents, her mother a scientist and immigrant from India, and her father a Jamaican immigrant, Harris was immersed in discussions about civil rights from an early age. Her family instilled a sense of pride in her multicultural background, involving her in community activities that celebrated black history and culture, such as the 'Cactus Club' for Black history lessons. By navigating her dual identity and exposure to both her Indian heritage and the black community's struggles, Harris developed a strong sense of belonging and confidence that would shape her future endeavors.
Kamala Harris's Career Choice and Its Controversies
Harris's decision to pursue a career in law, specifically as a prosecutor, sparked debates within her family and community given the historical tensions between law enforcement and black communities. She framed her choice as a way to achieve justice and safety for marginalized communities, arguing that public safety is a civil right. Harris confronted skepticism about her role, emphasizing that representation within systems of power is essential for effecting change, especially in the wake of the civil rights movement's progress. However, her methods as a prosecutor, particularly in programs targeting truancy, later drew criticism for being overly punitive and disproportionately affecting communities she aimed to help.
Navigating Political Identity and Campaign Challenges
As Harris transitioned from a promising Senate career to a presidential candidate in a post-Trump Democratic landscape, she faced the challenge of reconciling her past as a prosecutor with the party's progressive base. Despite her initial rise in popularity, her campaign struggled with internal contradictions regarding her policy positions, causing her to falter in the primary. The 2020 election highlighted the consequences of her ideological fluidity, as she was unable to clearly define her stance amidst competing demands for progressive reform from her party's grassroots movements. This tension between her traditional views on law enforcement and the progressive shift within the party ultimately hampered her momentum, leading to her exit from the race.
The Vice Presidency and New Opportunities
Harris’s role as Vice President allowed her to reposition herself within the Democratic Party amidst changing political dynamics, particularly following the racial justice movements of 2020 and the pandemic. While initially tasked with challenging assignments such as immigration issues, she began to regain her footing by championing reproductive rights after the overturning of Roe v. Wade. This period saw her cultivate relationships and credibility within the party, shedding the doubts that lingered from her presidential campaign. As she now steps into the role of a presidential nominee, there is renewed interest in her narrative as a multifaceted leader who embraces complexity while aiming for broader appeal despite the skepticism she's received over the years.
Over the next few days at the Democratic National Convention, Vice President Kamala Harris will accept her party’s nomination and reintroduce herself to American voters.
Astead W. Herndon, a national politics reporter and the host of the politics podcast “The Run-Up,” talks through key periods in Ms. Harris’s life that explain what she believes and the kind of president she might become.
Guest: Astead W. Herndon, a national politics reporter and the host of the politics podcast “The Run-Up” for The New York Times.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
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