Evan Osnos, a seasoned New Yorker staff writer, discusses Kamala Harris's dynamic rise in politics, catalyzed by Joe Biden's endorsement. He reveals insights from those close to her, examining her determination to actively push her campaign without waiting for traditional processes. Osnos highlights the razor-thin margins in her popularity and warns about the shock of a potential Electoral College loss, especially for young voters aspiring for change. The conversation deepens with reflections on Harris's unique challenges as a woman of color and her strategic balancing act in the political arena.
Kamala Harris's proactive approach in securing support and endorsements highlights her determination to lead amidst political uncertainty.
Her complex relationship with her prosecutorial past reflects ongoing challenges in balancing law enforcement demands with social justice advocacy.
Deep dives
Kamala Harris's Ascendance in the Democratic Race
Following Joe Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race, Kamala Harris's swift action positioned her as a frontrunner for the Democratic nomination. She recognized the urgency of solidifying support and began reaching out to influential figures and delegates, demonstrating her determination to not wait for a formal process. This strategic approach was crucial as she sought endorsements from key political players and community leaders, effectively mobilizing grassroots support. Her decision to jump into action revealed both her understanding of the political landscape and a keen awareness of the need to rally support while her political stock was rising.
Kamala Harris's Complex Relationship with Law Enforcement
Harris's background as a prosecutor has led to scrutiny within progressive circles, as many activists question her ability to align this role with a commitment to social justice. However, she has responded to these concerns by emphasizing her efforts to build relationships within communities affected by crime, hiring local individuals, and opposing the death penalty. Despite facing moments of intense criticism, especially regarding her stances on high-profile cases, she aimed to bridge the gap between law enforcement and community trust. This duality in her career suggests an ongoing struggle to balance being tough on crime while advocating for reform and justice in a system often seen as adversarial.
Navigating Pressures of the Vice Presidency
As vice president, Harris has faced challenges that stem from high expectations and significant scrutiny over her performance and political aspirations. Despite occasionally feeling overshadowed by the Biden administration, she has managed to influence key decisions, such as supporting Ketanji Brown Jackson's Supreme Court nomination and pushing for expanded student loan relief. However, internal staff turnover indicates a demanding leadership style that may not always resonate well with her team, reflecting the pressures unique to her role. Harris's navigation of her visibility and effectiveness illustrates the complexities of being a woman of color in a prominent political position while trying to carve out a distinct identity within a historically male-dominated sphere.
Since July 21st, when Joe Biden endorsed her in the Presidential race, all eyes have been on Vice-President Kamala Harris. The New Yorker’s Evan Osnos has been reporting on Harris for months, speaking with dozens of people close to her from her childhood to her days as a California prosecutor, right up to this lightning-round campaign for the Presidency. “What’s interesting is that some of those people . . . were asking her, ‘Do you think there should be a process? Some town halls or conventions?,’ ” Osnos tells David Remnick. “And her answer is revealing. . . . ‘I’m happy to join a process like that, but I’m not gonna wait around. I’m not gonna wait around.’ ” But if Harris’s surge in popularity was remarkable, her lead in most polls is razor-thin. “If she wins [the popular vote] and loses the Electoral College, that’ll be the third time since the year 2000 that Democrats have suffered that experience,” he notes. “You can’t underestimate how seismic a shock and a trauma—that’s not an overstatement—it will be, particularly for young Americans who have tried to say, ‘We’re going to put our support behind somebody and see if we can change this country.’ ”