Kamala Harris, born on October 20, 1964, is a name that has become synonymous with groundbreaking achievements and historical firsts in American politics. As the 49th vice president of the United States and President Joe Biden’s deputy since 2021, Harris is not just a political figure but a symbol of progress and diversity in the highest echelons of U.S. governance.
Kamala Harris, an influential American politician and attorney, has left an indelible mark on the history of the United States. As the 49th and current vice president, she is the highest-ranking female official in U.S. history and the first African-American and Asian-American vice president. A series of groundbreaking achievements mark Harris’s journey to the vice presidency, each contributing to her formidable legacy.
Personal Life of Kamala Harris
Apart from her political profession, Kamala Harris has a rich personal life that has shaped her journey and public image.
Early Life and Education
Kamala was born in Oakland, California, on October 20, 1964. Kamala Harris is the daughter of immigrants. Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was a biomedical scientist from India, and her father, Donald Harris, is an economist from Jamaica. Kamala Harris credits her parents, who were active in the civil rights movement, with instilling a strong sense of justice and activism from a young age.
Harris attended Howard University in Washington, D.C., earning her political science and economics undergraduate degree. She then returned to California to attend the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, where she received her law degree.
Family Life
Kamala Harris is married to Douglas Emhoff, an entertainment lawyer. They met in 2013 and were married in 2014, making Harris the stepmother of Emhoff’s two children from his previous marriage. Emhoff has supported Harris throughout her political career, often appearing alongside her at campaign events and official duties.
Interests and Hobbies
Beyond politics, Harris enjoys cooking, mainly Indian cuisine, which she learned from her mother. She is also an avid reader and has expressed her love for fiction and non-fiction literature.
Cultural and Social Contributions
Kamala Harris is known for her multicultural background and has embraced her Indian and Jamaican heritage throughout her career. Her candidacy as vice president in 2020 highlighted her significance as the first African-American and Asian-American woman to hold the office.
Legal and Political Career
District Attorney of San Francisco
Kamala Harris began her legal career in the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, where she gained valuable experience as a prosecutor. Her dedication and competence soon led to her recruitment by the office of the San Francisco District Attorney and, subsequently, the San Francisco City Attorney. When Harris was chosen to serve as San Francisco’s district attorney in 2003, she created history by making changes to reduce recidivism and championed initiatives to protect vulnerable populations.
Attorney General of California
In 2010, Harris was elected the Attorney General of California, becoming the first African-American woman to hold the position. Her tenure was marked by significant consumer protection, criminal justice reform, and environmental advocacy accomplishments. She was re-elected in 2014, further solidifying her reputation as a formidable and effective leader.
U.S. Senator from California
Kamala Harris’s political trajectory continued its upward climb when she was elected as the junior U.S. senator from California in 2016, defeating Loretta Sanchez. As the second African-American woman and the first South Asian-American to serve in the U.S. Senate, Harris quickly made a name for herself through her incisive questioning and advocacy on critical issues. She championed healthcare reform, federal de-scheduling of cannabis, the DREAM Act, strict gun control legislation, and progressive tax reform are some of the problems that need to be addressed. During Senate hearings, she asked pointed questions of Trump administration officials. Particularly during the confirmation hearings of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, she garnered national attention and showcased her diligence in pursuing justice and her legal knowledge.
The 2020 Presidential Campaign and Vice Presidency
Kamala Harris ran for the Democratic presidential candidacy in 2020. bringing her extensive experience and dynamic presence to the national stage. Although she withdrew from the race before the primaries, her impact was undeniable. Joe Biden, recognizing her strengths and the significance of her candidacy, selected Harris as his running mate. The Biden-Harris ticket went on to defeat the then-incumbent. In 2020, Donald Trump and Mike Pence will run for president and vice president, respectively. On January 20, 2021, Harris and Biden took office, making history as Harris became the highest-ranking female official in American history and the country’s first female vice president. She is also the first African-American and Asian-American to hold the office.
Kamala Harris and the 2020 Presidential Campaign Issues
COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic was a central issue during the 2020 presidential campaign. President Trump’s response faced heavy criticism due to mixed messages on the importance of wearing face masks. Despite occasionally encouraging mask use, Trump often held significant events where attendees did not wear masks or practice social distancing. In contrast, Joe Biden advocated for expanded federal funding for testing, personal protective equipment, and research. Biden criticized Trump’s reliance on a vaccine to resolve the pandemic, emphasizing the need for comprehensive federal action.
Economy
The economy was another critical issue. Trump touted the economic growth of his first three years and the significant rebound in GD during the third quarter of 2020 as evidence of his successful policies. Joe Biden countered by asserting that Trump inherited a strong economy from the Obama administration and mishandled the pandemic, leading to economic hardship. Biden proposed raising taxes on corporations and individuals earning over $400,000 while maintaining tax cuts or lower-income brackets. Trump warned that Biden’s tax plans would harm retirement accounts and the stock market.
Environment
Environmental policy shows stark differences between Trump and Biden. Trump dropped his claims that climate change was a hoax of the United States from the Paris Agreement and repealed several environmental laws. Biden planned to rejoin the Paris Agreement and proposed a $2 trillion plan to combat climate change. Although Biden did not fully embrace the Green New Deal, he supported banning new fracking on federal land, which Trump accused him of wanting to ban fracking entirely.
Health Care
Health care was a divisive issue in the Democratic primary and general campaign. Biden supported the protection of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the addition of public opinion, while progressives pushed for Medicare for All. Trump aimed to repeal the ACA without detailing a replacement. At the time of the election, the Trump administration supported a lawsuit to repeal the ACA, which was pending before the Supreme Court.
Racial Unrest
The murder of George Floyd and subsequent incidents of police brutality against African Americans sparked widespread protests and racial unrest in 2020. The Black Lives Matter movement’s demonstrations became a central point of the campaign. While most protests were peaceful, some involved property damage and violence. Trump suggested deploying the military to counter the protests, a move criticized by Democrats as excessive and potentially illegal. Biden condemned Trump’s actions against protestors and promised to implement police reform measures and establish a police oversight commission.
Kamala Harris’s Role and Impact as Vice President
As vice president, Kama A. Harris continues to break barriers and push for progressive change. Her advocacy for healthcare, criminal justice, and immigration reform underscores her commitment to creating a more equitable and just society. Harris has also taken on significant responsibilities, including tackling the underlying factors that lead to migration in Central America and leading efforts to expand voting rights in the United States. As vice president, she has shaped the Biden administration’s policies and priorities and remains a powerful voice for change and progress.
Conclusion
Kamala Harris’s journey from Oakland to the White House is a testament to her resilience, intelligence, and unwavering dedication to public service. Her career, marked by historic firsts, reflects the changing face of American politics and the increasing importance of diversity and inclusion. As the 49th vice president of the United States, Kamala Harris makes history and paves the path that upcoming generations of leaders will take to emulate her. Her story is one of inspiration, progress, and the relentless pursuit of justice.
