Harris’s rise and challenges in politics

Senator Kamala Harris launched her presidential campaign in early 2019, but her campaign struggled with momentum and internal disagreements.

In just a few months, the American people will choose the course of America’s future. I made my choice.

And I would like to thank our great Vice President—@KamalaHarris.

She’s experienced, tough, capable.

She has been an incredible partner to me and leader for our country.

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 25, 2024

She notably confronted Joe Biden over his past record on desegregation and busing during a debate, which was a high point of her campaign. However, Harris faced criticism for her tenure as California’s attorney general, which some claimed perpetuated inequities in the criminal justice system. These issues, along with a lack of clear positions on key issues, resulted in her campaign’s stagnation. By December 2019, Harris suspended her bid due to a lack of funds and support. Kamala Harris’s career in criminal justice has been seen as both progressive and contradictory.

Folks, calls to violence threaten our democracy’s foundation.

You can’t love your country only when you win.

Let’s solve our problems with ballots and elect @KamalaHarris as the next President of the United States of America.pic.twitter.com/wfREMvAyNo

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 23, 2024

I’m Kamala Harris, and I’m running for President of the United States. pic.twitter.com/6qAM32btjj

— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 25, 2024

Early in her career, she established a program aimed at restorative justice and supported legislation to reduce sentences for certain felonies. She opposed the death penalty and gained attention for not seeking it against a gang member who killed a police officer in 2004. However, she faced criticism for not supporting the abolition of the death penalty in California and for being slow to adopt policies like the Brady doctrine. Harris also faced scrutiny for not investigating certain police shootings during her tenure as attorney general.

Donald Trump wants to take our country backwards to a time before many of our fellow Americans had full freedoms and rights, but we believe in a brighter future that makes room for all Americans.

We believe in a future where every person has the opportunity not just to get by,…

— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 23, 2024

In 2018, Kamala Harris made significant headlines for her pointed questioning of Brett Kavanaugh during his Supreme Court confirmation hearings.

Harris’s early campaign highs and lows

Her questioning about reproductive rights and other critical issues showcased her prosecutorial skills and garnered widespread attention. Harris also drew public notice for her grilling of other Trump administration officials, such as former Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Despite an underwhelming performance in the 2020 Democratic primary, Joe Biden selected Harris as his running mate. Her initial time as vice president was marked by some missteps, such as a problematic interview with NBC’s Lester Holt regarding border visits and high staff turnover. However, she eventually grew into the role, particularly following the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022. Harris took a leading position on abortion and reproductive rights and has also focused on issues like gun safety, connecting with women and people of color, and addressing international conflicts. As a prominent woman of color in politics, Kamala Harris has been a frequent target of sexist and racist attacks. Research tracking disinformation and abuse against female political candidates has found that Harris is particularly targeted, being the subject of such attacks 78% of the time. Despite these challenges, Harris continues to break barriers and represent underrepresented communities on the national stage. Kamala Harris’s career is a testament to the resilience and complexity of a trailblazer in American politics. As her journey continues, she remains a significant figure with the potential to make history once again.