Born in Oakland, California, Harris’s journey began with schooling at Howard University and the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. Earlier in her career, she worked in the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office and later in San Francisco, where she was recognized as a zealous and effective prosecutor.
Harris’s ascent into public office started when she was first elected as District Attorney of San Francisco in 2003. She was the first woman and the first African-American to be elected for that office. Her tenure has been characterized by criminal justice reforms and programs to reduce domestic violence and the reentry of offenders.
That same year, she became a national leader in the movement for LGBTQ+ rights, officiating the first same-sex wedding after Proposition 8 was overturned. Since becoming Vice President in 2020, Kamala Harris has been a figure of both significant influence and controversy. Her work has had notable impacts on justice, equity, and public service, but has also faced criticism and mixed reactions from various quarters.
Kamala Harris’s tenure has spanned from criminal justice reform to digital equity. As Vice President, she has championed initiatives like “Digital Transformation with Africa” and the establishment of a United States AI Safety Institute to ensure ethical development in artificial intelligence. Her record in criminal justice, however, remains a very polarizing issue. Critics point to her earlier career as a prosecutor, citing shifts in positions that seemed to move with political viability
For years, Harris has faced criticism over perceived inconsistencies and a seeming lack of gravitas. That is partly a question of tone: She can seem less than serious when discussing serious matters, political analysts said. She has also faced criticism over how she handled certain policies—notably marijuana legalization and prosecutorial discretion as Attorney General of California.
The reactions from public figures and celebrities are quite mixed. While some praised her as a groundbreaker to become the first female, first Black, and first South Asian Vice President, many others have been highly critical. For example, former President Donald Trump has been one of her vocal critics who often assaults her policy positions, even questioning her competence. Imagine four years of this (Elon Musk said in a recent tweet on X). Others, like Oprah Winfrey and George Clooney, have risen to her defense, pointing out that she is a historical figure who broke so many barriers and will hopefully be an inspiration to young women aspiring toward political leadership.
The role of Kamala Harris in the Biden administration has also raised some controversy. Treated as more dominant and ambitious than President Biden, such interactions at times fueled speculation over her influence and the internal functioning of the administration. This high-profile nature and assertiveness have, in many instances, overshadowed Biden; it is often discussed how she might be running for president in 2024, which is not far-fetched because she is the current Democratic candidate of the Democratic party.
Kamala Harris’s impact on justice, equity, and public service remains widely seen. Her career has evoked and continues to evoke strong opinions on both sides, making her arguably a central figure in American politics today. As the US election approaches, the decision for a new president should remain that of the people. Good luck to Karmala Harris at the poll.
Written By Veronica Emmanuel