Kamala Harris: America’s First Female President?
Kamala Harris speaking with attendees at the 2019 National Forum on Wages and Working People hosted by the Center for the American Progress Action Fund and the SEIU at the Enclave in Las Vegas, Nevada.
President Joe Biden has announced his decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race, paving the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to become the Democratic nominee for President. This momentous development is not only a significant milestone for Harris but also for women across the United States who have long awaited a leader who represents their values and aspirations on the highest political stage. Will Kamala Harris be that leader?
Kamala Harris, born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California, has had a distinguished career in public service. The daughter of immigrants—her mother from India and her father from Jamaica—Harris's diverse background has shaped her understanding of the American experience. She graduated from Howard University, a historically black university, and earned her law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.
Harris's career in public service began as a deputy district attorney in Alameda County, California. She quickly gained a reputation for being a tough and fair prosecutor who focused on sex crimes. Later on, Harris became chief of the San Francisco Community and Neighborhood Division of the DA’s office in 2000, where she established the state’s first Bureau of Children’s Justice. In 2004, she was elected as the District Attorney of San Francisco, where she implemented reforms that focused on reducing recidivism and promoting rehabilitation over incarceration.
In 2010, Harris made history by becoming the first woman, the first African American and the first South Asian American to be elected as California's Attorney General. In this role, she championed progressive policies on criminal justice reform, environmental protection, and consumer rights. Her tenure was marked by her efforts to hold big banks accountable in the wake of the foreclosure crisis, resulting in a $20 billion settlement for California homeowners, and creating Open Justice, an online platform that makes criminal justice data available to the public at large. This database has helped improve police accountability by formulating the number of deaths and injuries of people in police custody.
Harris's election to the U.S. Senate in 2016 further solidified her reputation as a formidable leader. She served on the Senate Judiciary Committee, where she became known for her sharp questioning and advocacy for justice and equality. Her presidential campaign in 2020, though ultimately suspended, showcased her vision for America and positioned her as a key figure in the Democratic Party, ultimately resulting in her becoming the Vice President of the United States.
Vice President Kamala Harris greets President Joe Biden
While Harris has an impressive background, many worry about what her platform for the upcoming election entails. Harris is considered to be one of the most moderate democrats in the party, which is a cause of concern for some people. Coupled with her support of Israel, shifts in policy views throughout the years, and her record on criminal justice that supported tough-on-crime policies that disproportionately affected minority communities and did not do enough to address systemic issues within the justice system, many worry if she is the right choice.
Despite these concerns, Harris's platform as the Democratic nominee presents a forward-thinking agenda that resonates with the values and needs of everyday Americans. Her policy proposals are comprehensive, addressing key issues that impact women and marginalized communities such as climate change. Harris is committed to aggressive action on climate change, supporting the Green New Deal, and investing in renewable energy. She co-sponsored the Climate Equity Act, which ensures that climate policies prioritize frontline communities most affected by environmental hazards. Her environmental policies are designed to create jobs, protect public health, and ensure a sustainable future for all Americans.
Harris has also been a staunch advocate for women's reproductive rights. She has consistently opposed efforts to restrict access to abortion and has proposed policies to protect and expand reproductive healthcare. One of her notable contributions is the introduction of the Women's Health Protection Act in the Senate, which aims to codify Roe v. Wade into law, ensuring that women's rights to make decisions about their own bodies are safeguarded against conservative attacks. Harris also co-sponsored the Paycheck Fairness Act, which aims to address wage discrimination based on gender. Additionally, she has been a vocal supporter of the Raise the Wage Act, which proposes increasing the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour.
Kamala Harris's nomination as the Democratic candidate for President is a pivotal moment for women in America. As the first woman of color to be nominated by a major party for the presidency, she inspires countless women and girls to pursue their dreams and break barriers. By addressing issues like reproductive rights, economic inequality, and healthcare, she is tackling the systemic barriers that have historically disadvantaged women. Her commitment to these issues ensures that women's voices and needs are prioritized in national policy discussions. As the leader of one of the world's most powerful nations, Harris's influence would extend beyond U.S. borders. As she steps into this pivotal role, the nation watches with anticipation and optimism, hoping Harris embraces a new era of leadership that champions justice, equality, and empowerment for all, including women of color, trans women, and the women afflicted by war and genocide beyond our borders.
