Three days ago, I published the article “Will Biden Bow Or Sit Tight?” on my blog. I analysed why President Joe Biden should yield his presidential re-election bid to a more energetic candidate in the Democratic Party. For some time, there have been concerns about Biden’s age and health. The majority consensus is that Biden cannot win a re-election. His missteps and gaffes in recent months do not help issues. The Republican Party faithful prayed for Biden to be adamant and not bow out of the race. At the recently concluded RNC Convention, Donald Trump, the party’s presidential candidate’s main speech focussed on Biden’s capabilities.
Biden’s written statement of withdrawal from the race on Sunday did not come as a surprise to many. However, it has thrown spanners in the political calculations of the Trump campaign strategists. Not long after this, he announced his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris on X (formerly known as Twitter) to succeed him in the race.
Kamala is a figure of many firsts: the first female, Black, South Asian Vice President of the United States, and a potential Democratic candidate for the presidential election. Her political journey from relative obscurity to a position of immense influence reflects her diverse background, career accomplishments, and personal resilience. With her blend of identities and experiences, Kamala represents a transformative moment in American politics. As she eyes the election, her candidacy poses questions about whether she can surprise the Republican front-runner, Trump, and potentially open a new chapter in American history.
Born in Oakland, California, to an Indian mother and Jamaican father, Kamala’s early life was steeped in a mix of cultures. Her parents’ academic and activist backgrounds laid the groundwork for her future in public service. Kamala attended Howard University, a historically Black institution, where she honed her leadership skills and embraced her Black identity. After earning her law degree from the University of California, Hastings, she embarked on a career as a prosecutor, eventually becoming the District Attorney of San Francisco in 2004 and the Attorney General of California in 2011.
Kamala’s record as a prosecutor has been a double-edged sword in her political career. As San Francisco’s DA and later as California’s AG, she built a reputation for being tough on crime while also advocating for reforms such as a program to reduce recidivism among drug offenders. However, her prosecutorial record has faced criticism from both progressives and conservatives. Some argue she was too cautious in addressing police misconduct and overly punitive on nonviolent offenders. Others view her as a pragmatic enforcer of the law who managed to implement some reforms in a challenging political climate.
Kamala’s transition to the U.S. Senate in 2017 marked a shift in her career. She became known for her sharp questioning in Senate hearings and her advocacy for issues such as healthcare, climate change, and racial justice. Her bold approach resonated with many progressives, even as her prosecutorial past continued to draw scrutiny. Kamala’s policy positions and the ability to navigate the Senate’s partisan landscape prepared her for the national stage and positioned her as a rising star within the Democratic Party.
In 2020, Kamala launched her presidential campaign with significant media attention and a large, enthusiastic rally in Oakland. Her candidacy was built around themes of justice, equality, and fighting for the rights of marginalised communities. Despite early momentum and strong debate performances, her campaign struggled with organisational issues and finding a consistent message, leading her to withdraw before the primaries. However, her candidacy highlighted her appeal to a diverse electorate and showcased her potential as a national leader.
When Biden selected Kamala as his vice-presidential running mate, it was a historic choice that acknowledged her unique qualifications and appeal. Kamala’s selection was a strategic move to energise women, African Americans, and Asian Americans, crucial demographics for the Democratic Party. During the 2020 campaign, she effectively acted as the attack surrogate against the Trump administration while emphasising her vision for a more inclusive America.
As Vice President, Kamala has been tasked with addressing complex issues, including immigration, voting rights, and women’s rights. Her role in the administration has been both supportive and challenging, as she works to advance President Biden’s agenda while establishing her own identity as a leader. Her ability to navigate these issues and demonstrate leadership on the global stage will be critical as she potentially prepares for a presidential run.
Can Kamala surprise Donald Trump in the forthcoming election? The answer hinges on several factors. First, her ability to mobilise a diverse coalition of voters will be crucial. As a woman of colour with a compelling personal story, Kamala has the potential to energise key demographics that are pivotal for Democratic success. However, she must also address concerns about her prosecutorial past and present a clear vision for the future that resonates with both progressives and moderates.
Kamala’s candidacy would, no doubt, face challenges from Trump’s well-established base and divisive rhetoric. Trump’s ability to galvanise his supporters through appeals to nationalism and populism remains strong. Kamala needs to counter this with a message of unity and hope, emphasising her commitment to policies that address economic inequality, climate change, and social justice. Her campaign has to be strategic in addressing Trump’s attacks and effectively communicate her accomplishments and plans for the nation.
A few commentators are talking about her readiness, or not, for world politics. Kamala has shown competence and adaptability in her role as Vice President. She has engaged with foreign leaders and represented the U.S. on international trips, focusing on democracy, human rights, and economic cooperation. Her ability to balance domestic and international priorities will be critical in demonstrating her preparedness to lead on the global stage.
You may ask what is the verdict on Kamala judging by history. This is mixed. On one hand, her rise to the vice presidency represents a significant milestone in American history, reflecting progress toward gender and racial equality. Her candidacy could symbolise a new era of leadership that embraces diversity and inclusion. On the other hand, she must contend with a political landscape marked by deep divisions and the lingering effects of systemic discrimination. Whether history is in her favour depends on her ability to address these challenges and build a compelling case for her leadership.
The negative campaigns likely to emerge from Republicans will test Kamala’s resilience and strategic judgement. Political attacks are an inevitable part of any campaign, and Kamala’s record and identity make her a target for criticism. Her ability to effectively respond to these attacks and maintain focus on her vision for America will be crucial in determining her electoral prospects.
Kamala’s journey from being relatively unknown to a potential Democratic candidate for the November presidential election highlights her remarkable resilience and capacity for leadership. Her candidacy would not only represent a significant milestone in American history but also challenge the status quo of political discourse. As she prepares to potentially face Trump in a highly polarised political environment, her ability to articulate a vision of hope, unity, and progress will be crucial. Kamala has the potential to surprise her country, but success will require navigating complex challenges and building a broad coalition of support. Regardless of the outcome, Kamala’s story is a testament to the evolving landscape of American politics and the enduring struggle for equality and representation.
Picture credit:
The Guardian UK/Nathan Howard/Reuters
