The pivotal moment for Kamala Harris arrived on a July Sunday morning while she was at home doing a jigsaw puzzle with her grand-nieces.
A Life-Changing Phone Call
In a recent conversation with radio host Howard Stern, Harris recounted, “The phone rings, and it’s Joe. I got up to take the call — and then life changed.” President Joe Biden informed her that he would be dropping out of the 2024 presidential race and endorsing her as the Democratic nominee, a decision that dramatically reshaped the political landscape in America.
From Low Approval to Election Campaign
Before this announcement, Harris struggled with historically low approval ratings as vice president. However, within weeks, she successfully built an election campaign from the ground up. She organized enthusiastic rallies, raised over $1 billion in campaign funds, and reinvigorated a party that had lost hope.
Facing Donald Trump in a Tight Race
Currently, polls show the 60-year-old Harris in a tight race against former Republican President Donald Trump as she strives to become the first female president in U.S. history. “It’s not easy. Usually, people run for president for two years, and she’s just been running since late July,” noted David Karol, a government and politics professor at the University of Maryland.
Challenges and Criticism
Harris has been a groundbreaking figure since entering the White House as the first female, Black, and South Asian vice president. However, her journey has not been without challenges. Initially, she faced harsh criticism regarding her competency to assume presidential responsibilities. After her unsuccessful bid for the presidency in 2019, she was often mocked for her vague policy positions and had been labeled as producing “word salads,” similar to Biden.
Assigned by Biden to address the nation’s illegal migration issues, she stumbled in her role as “border czar,” which provided Republicans with a point of attack.
Finding Her Voice
Things began to shift for Harris in 2022 after the Supreme Court overturned federal abortion rights. She became a prominent advocate for reproductive rights, raising her profile in Biden’s second presidential campaign and reportedly preparing for a presidential run in 2028. Biden also increasingly assigned her diplomatic tasks related to Ukraine and the Middle East.
However, few anticipated that her chance to pursue the presidency would come so soon, largely because Harris had been underestimated by both Democrats and Republicans.
A Force to be Reckoned With
Former President Trump, who labeled her “crazy” and subjected her to sexist and racist remarks, would soon realize that Harris was a formidable contender. In their only debate, she effectively challenged him, demonstrating her political acumen. Additionally, Harris has emphasized her status as a gun owner in efforts to appeal to Republican voters.
Ongoing Struggles with Media and Perception
Despite her strengths, Harris has faced familiar challenges, including discomfort with media interactions. Her absence from interviews during a crucial period of the campaign drew criticism from Republicans.
The Question of Breaking Barriers
As she continues her campaign, the key question remains whether Harris can successfully navigate the complexities of her political journey and break through America’s highest glass ceiling. “I think she has run a good campaign. If she loses, some will say ‘oh, that’s because she didn’t run a good campaign’ — and I think that’s wrong,” said Karol.
