In a groundbreaking move, President Joe Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, signaling her potential to become the first Black woman to head a major party presidential ticket. This historic endorsement comes after Biden, at 81, announced his decision to end his reelection bid amid concerns about the viability of his candidacy.
President Biden’s decision to step aside follows increasing calls for him to exit the race for the White House, especially after a challenging debate performance against his Republican rival, Donald Trump. In his announcement, Biden expressed his full support for Harris, who has already made history as the first woman, the first Black American, and the first South Asian American to be elected as the US Vice President in 2020.
Who is Kamala Harris?
Kamala Harris was born in Oakland, California. She is the daughter of immigrant parents and was raised in a diverse community. Her educational journey took her to Howard University and the University of California, Hastings College of Law, where she earned her law degree.
How did Kamala Harris rise to become the first woman US Vice President?
Kamala Harris became Vice President of the United States through the 2020 presidential election, where she ran as the vice-presidential candidate alongside Joe Biden, the Democratic presidential nominee. On August 11, 2020, Joe Biden announced Harris as his running mate, marking a historic candidacy as she became the first Black woman and the first person of South Asian descent to be nominated for vice president by a major party. Harris campaigned vigorously across the country, focusing on key issues such as healthcare, economic recovery, racial justice, and the COVID-19 pandemic response. Her extensive background as a former prosecutor and attorney general of California added credibility to her advocacy for justice and reform.
The election, held on November 3, 2020, saw a record voter turnout, with many Americans voting by mail or early due to the pandemic. Biden and Harris won the election with 306 electoral votes to Trump’s 232, also securing over 81 million votes, the most in U.S. history at that time. Harris’s candidacy was pivotal in energizing key voter demographics, including women, minorities, and younger voters. On January 20, 2021, Kamala Harris was inaugurated as the 49th Vice President of the United States, sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Her election marked several historic firsts, breaking significant barriers in American politics. Harris’s ascension to the vice presidency symbolizes progress and representation, reflecting the diverse fabric of the nation and underscoring her dedication and experience, which resonated with a broad coalition of voters seeking change and inclusivity in American leadership.
Achievements of Kamala Harris
In 2005, the National Black Prosecutors Association honored Kamala Harris with the Thurgood Marshall Award, and that same year, she was featured in a Newsweek report profiling “20 of America’s Most Powerful Women.” A 2008 New York Times article highlighted her potential to become president of the United States, recognizing her reputation as a “tough fighter.” Time included Harris on its annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2013, 2020, and 2021. In 2016, the 20/20 Bipartisan Justice Center awarded her the Bipartisan Justice Award, which she shared with Senator Tim Scott. In 2020, Harris and Joe Biden were jointly named Time Person of the Year. Additionally, she was selected for the inaugural 2021 Forbes 50 Over 50 list, celebrating influential entrepreneurs, leaders, scientists, and creators over the age of 50.
Kamala Harris’s Indian connection and personal life
In 2020, Kamala Harris made history by becoming the first Indian-American and first African-American woman to serve as Vice President of the United States. As she eyes a potential run for the presidency in 2024, pending Democratic approval, her historic achievements continue to capture attention and inspire many. Harris’s groundbreaking role as Vice President marks a significant milestone in American politics, reflecting her dedication and resilience.
Harris’s Indian heritage plays a crucial role in her identity. Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, was a prominent cancer researcher and civil rights activist in California. Raised as a single mother, Ms. Gopalan Harris instilled in her daughters, Kamala and Maya, a strong sense of cultural pride and achievement. Kamala Harris’s maternal uncle, Gopalan Balachandran, is an academic and former consultant at the Institute of Defence Studies and Analysis (IDSA) in Delhi, while her grandfather, P.V. Gopalan, contributed to refugee rehabilitation in India and later served as an advisor to the Zambian President. Her grandmother, Rajam, earned recognition for her social work.
Kamala Harris maintains a deep connection to her Indian roots, frequently visiting Chennai and reflecting on her heritage. After her mother’s passing, Harris visited Chennai with her sister Maya to follow Hindu traditions and immerse their mother’s ashes in the sea. She has shared personal anecdotes about her mother’s love for idli during virtual campaign events, emphasizing her family’s ties to India. Harris’s victory in the 2020 U.S. presidential election was celebrated in her ancestral village of Thulasendrapuram in Tamil Nadu, where villagers marked the occasion with fireworks, sweets, and colorful kolams, showcasing the pride and joy of her Indian heritage.
In 2014, Harris married Douglas Emhoff, a lawyer, adding another dimension to her life as a public servant and leader.
Numerous firsts and a steadfast commitment to justice and equity mark Kamala Harris’s journey. With Biden’s endorsement, she stands on the brink of yet another historic milestone, potentially becoming the first Black woman to lead a major party’s presidential ticket. As she continues to break barriers and set new precedents, Harris’s story remains a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of representation in American politics.