In a television interview, Kamala Harris once revealed that she would “think of her mother” on the day of her inauguration as vice president. She was a breast cancer researcher (and died of cancer herself in 2009) and Harris said: “I was raised by a mother who always said to me, ‘Kamala, you may be the first to do a lot of things – be careful not to be the one You’re the last one.'”
Kamala Harris – first everywhere
In fact, she was often the first: the first child in her town who was allowed to attend a school that had previously only been reserved for whites. She was San Francisco’s first female district attorney. And as Vice President, not only the first woman in the White House, but also the first person of Indian descent there. She may even be elected the first female US president on November 5th.
Harris’ fighting spirit was evident when her best friend at school confided in her that her stepfather was abusing her. The Harris family eventually took the girl in. That changed both of their lives, says the friend in an interview with “Bayerischer Rundfunk”. Harris realized then that she wanted to hold people accountable for their actions.
Later, as a prosecutor, she became a lawyer who was celebrated like a pop star. As vice president, she shone less. After a few unsuccessful performances, she withdrew and almost disappeared from the public consciousness. Her popularity ratings were ultimately so poor that she was seen as a drag on Joe Biden’s re-election campaign. Until he stumbled across the TV duel with Donald Trump.
Suddenly a symbol of longing
Kamala Harris quickly and surprisingly quietly asserted herself as the candidate’s successor. Suddenly she became a symbol of a longing for an America that could perhaps exist again: “A country that is united in its belief in democracy and that is ready to defend it.”
Note: This photo series was updated for Harris’ 60th birthday.
Sources: SpotOnNews, Bayerischer Rundfunk, “Washington Post”; “Radio Liberty”;
