Who is Kamala Harris? Following the Vice President's political career

ABC News

23 Jul 202409:09

Summary

TLDRVice President Kamala Harris is set to lead the Democratic campaign as Joe Biden recovers from COVID-19. Harris, potentially the first Black woman and Asian-American to lead a major party ticket, has a history of breaking barriers in her 30-year public service career. With endorsements from figures like Nancy Pelosi and a record $81 million raised in the first 24 hours of her campaign, Harris faces criticisms from both Republicans and Democrats over her past as a prosecutor and her public persona. Her campaign focuses on civil rights, abortion rights, and immigration, while also addressing the challenges of the current political climate.

Takeaways

📢 Kamala Harris has taken over the presidential campaign from Joe Biden, who is recovering from COVID-19.
🙌 She is poised to become the first Black woman and Asian-American to lead a major party ticket in the United States.
💪 Harris has a long history as a public servant, with over 30 years of experience, and has been a trailblazer throughout her career.
💵 Her campaign raised a record $81 million in the first 24 hours after launching.
🔍 Harris will face criticisms regarding her past, including her time as a prosecutor and her stance on immigration.
🎓 She was raised by a mother who emphasized the importance of being judged on actions, not words, and had a formative experience with school integration.
🎓 Harris attended Howard University, a historically Black university, and later went to law school at UC San Francisco.
🔝 She has held various political positions, including District Attorney of San Francisco, California's Attorney General, and U.S. Senator.
🗣️ Known for her strong debate skills, Harris has taken a firm stance on civil rights, abortion rights, and has been vocal against Donald Trump.
🌎 As Vice President, Harris has been tasked with leading diplomatic efforts with Central American countries to address migration issues.

Q & A

Who took over Joe Biden's campaign office?
-Vice President Kamala Harris took over Joe Biden's campaign office as he recovers from COVID and steps down from the race.
What record did Kamala Harris' campaign set within 24 hours of launching?
-Kamala Harris' campaign raised a record $81 million in the first 24 hours of launching.
What criticisms does Kamala Harris face from Republicans and Democrats?
-Republicans criticize Kamala Harris on issues like immigration, while some Democrats are wary of her time as a prosecutor and her public persona.
What key endorsements has Kamala Harris received for her campaign?
-Kamala Harris has received key endorsements, including from former Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
How is Kamala Harris positioned historically in U.S. politics?
-Kamala Harris is poised to become the first Black woman and Asian-American to lead a major party ticket, continuing her history as a trailblazer in public service.
What formative experience did Kamala Harris mention during a 2019 debate?
-During a 2019 debate, Kamala Harris mentioned being part of the second class to integrate public schools in California, where she was bussed to school every day.
What positions did Kamala Harris hold before becoming Vice President?
-Before becoming Vice President, Kamala Harris served as the District Attorney of San Francisco, the Attorney General of California, and a U.S. Senator.
What is one of Kamala Harris' notable stances during her time in the Senate?
-During her time in the Senate, Kamala Harris became known for her strong stance on civil and abortion rights, including her questioning of Brett Kavanaugh during his Supreme Court nomination hearings.
What was the message of Kamala Harris' victory speech in 2020?
-In her 2020 victory speech, Kamala Harris addressed the children of the country, encouraging them to dream with ambition, lead with conviction, and see themselves in ways others may not.
How has Kamala Harris been involved in addressing immigration issues as Vice President?
-As Vice President, Kamala Harris has led diplomatic efforts with Central American countries to address the root causes of migration but has faced criticism from Republicans over the issue.

Outlines

00:00

🎤 Kamala Harris Takes the Torch from Joe Biden

Kamala Harris is officially taking over the campaign office from Joe Biden, who called in during the event while recovering from COVID. Harris is preparing for her historic role as the first Black and Asian-American woman to lead a major party ticket. Supporters are excited, while some remain cautious, awaiting more clarity on her policies. Despite some criticisms from both Republicans and Democrats, she has raised a record $81 million within 24 hours of launching her campaign.

05:02

🌍 Harris’s Journey from Busing to Attorney General

Harris reflects on her experiences growing up, including being bused to school, which was a formative experience for her. Her mother, Shyamala, a breast cancer researcher, was a guiding influence, raising Harris and her sister Maya with pride in their identity as Black women. Harris worked her way through law school and up the political ladder, starting as a prosecutor and becoming the first female District Attorney of San Francisco, then California's Attorney General, before serving in the U.S. Senate.

⚖️ Kamala Harris’s Strong Political Stance and Historic Rise

In the Senate, Harris became known for her work on civil and abortion rights, particularly during the Brett Kavanaugh hearings. She ran for president in 2019, gaining attention for her direct confrontations, including one with Joe Biden. Ultimately, Biden chose her as his running mate in 2020, where she showcased her debate skills against Mike Pence. As Vice President, she has focused on issues like abortion rights and immigration, facing both praise and criticism in these roles.

🇺🇸 Immigration and Border Challenges as Key Focus for Harris

Harris took the lead in diplomatic efforts to address migration from Central America, though she has faced criticism from Republicans for her handling of immigration. Her delayed visit to the southern border also drew controversy. During her first overseas trip, she urged Guatemalans not to migrate to the U.S., a move that sparked further debate. As Trump now faces his own political challenges due to age, Harris's previous relationship with him has come into focus, including past donations from him to her campaign.

🔔 Kamala Harris Campaigns Toward Victory

Harris is actively campaigning, visiting Wisconsin to rally support as the 2024 election nears. She emphasizes the importance of continued efforts, including knocking on doors, making phone calls, and connecting with voters. With President Biden set to return to Washington, the focus is on winning the election, and Harris is ready to lead the charge with determination and energy.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Kamala Harris

Kamala Harris is the Vice President of the United States who is taking over the campaign from Joe Biden for the upcoming presidential election. As the first Black woman and Asian-American to potentially lead a major party ticket, her candidacy represents a historic moment. The script highlights her background, achievements, and the challenges she may face, providing a comprehensive look at her political journey.

💡Joe Biden

Joe Biden is the current President of the United States who is stepping down from the presidential race due to health reasons, as mentioned in the script. He endorses Kamala Harris to take over the campaign, showing confidence in her ability to lead. Biden’s stepping down sets the stage for Harris's historic run for the presidency.

💡Campaign Launch

The campaign launch refers to the official start of Kamala Harris's presidential campaign, marked by her taking over from Joe Biden. This event raised $81 million in the first 24 hours, indicating significant initial support. The launch is a pivotal moment that sets the tone for the election, positioning Harris as a leading contender.

💡Trailblazer

The term 'Trailblazer' is used to describe Kamala Harris's groundbreaking role as the first Black woman and Asian-American to lead a major party ticket. Her 30 years of public service, including her tenure as District Attorney, Attorney General, and Vice President, illustrate her pathbreaking career and leadership in American politics.

💡Immigration

Immigration is a contentious issue in the script, with Harris criticized by Republicans for her handling of border security and immigration policies as Vice President. She faces challenges in addressing this issue as part of her campaign, especially given her controversial comments telling Guatemalan migrants not to come to the U.S.

💡Endorsements

Endorsements are significant for Harris’s campaign, with prominent figures like former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi supporting her candidacy. Endorsements provide legitimacy and political backing, playing a crucial role in her strategy to consolidate support within the Democratic Party and among voters.

💡Abortion Rights

Abortion rights are a central issue that Harris has championed, especially following the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade. The script mentions her strong stance on protecting women’s reproductive rights, which is a key aspect of her platform and appeal to liberal and progressive voters.

💡Black Lives Matter

Black Lives Matter is referenced in relation to Harris's commitment to racial justice and civil rights. The script notes her intention to fight for transparency and equity, reflecting her advocacy for minority communities and her positioning as a candidate who addresses systemic racism and social justice.

💡Criticism

Criticism of Kamala Harris comes from multiple angles, including her record as a prosecutor, her handling of immigration issues, and her public persona. The script highlights these criticisms, showing that Harris faces challenges not only from political opponents but also from within her own party.

💡Vice Presidency

The Vice Presidency is the role currently held by Kamala Harris, in which she has faced scrutiny and challenges, such as her approach to immigration and diplomatic efforts. Her tenure as Vice President is a key part of her political profile and serves as both a credential and a source of criticism in her presidential campaign.

Highlights

Kamala Harris takes over the presidential campaign office from Joe Biden in Delaware, following Biden's recovery from COVID-19.

Kamala Harris aims to become the first Black woman and Asian-American to lead a major party ticket in a U.S. presidential election.

Harris receives endorsements from high-profile figures, including former Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Harris's campaign raises a record $81 million in its first 24 hours.

Harris faces criticism from Republicans for her stance on immigration and from Democrats for her past as a prosecutor.

Harris discusses her upbringing by her mother, who emphasized pride in her identity and actions.

Kamala Harris becomes the first female District Attorney in San Francisco and later the first female and person of color to serve as California's Attorney General.

In 2017, Harris is elected to the U.S. Senate, becoming the second Black female senator in U.S. history.

Harris gains recognition for her work on judicial and intelligence committees, particularly during Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh's nomination hearings.

In 2019, Harris runs for president, with a campaign focused on unity and opposition to Donald Trump.

Biden selects Harris as his running mate in 2020, where she debates Vice President Mike Pence.

Harris becomes the first female, Black, and Asian-American Vice President of the United States.

As Vice President, Harris takes the lead on the abortion rights issue following the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade.

Harris is tasked by President Biden to address the root causes of migration from Central America, facing criticism from Republicans over her handling of the border situation.

Former President Donald Trump reacts to the campaign developments with criticism, having previously supported Harris in her 2014 re-election campaign.