How Kamala Harris could become a major force in US politics

Kamala Harris is the first black and South Asian woman on the presidential ticket, and she’s destined to be a major force if she can achieve one key thing.

Analysis: America’s likely first female vice president has energised her party’s base and offered fresh hope the country can find a way forward that is both unconventional and inclusive.

Kamala Harris is footsteps from being the first female president of the US.

Her boss, Joe Biden, will be 81 at the time of the next election and she is the first black and South Asian woman on a presidential ticket.

Mr Biden said he wanted his team to “look like the country” and then committed to appoint a female VP.

There were plenty of impressive women to choose from, arguably, with the energetic and whip-smart Elizabeth Warren at the top of the list.

But with Mr Biden determined to give greater representation to coloured Americans, Ms Harris was the stand out.

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Mr Biden said he wanted his team to “look like the country” before he chose her as his running mate. Picture: AFP

At just 55, Ms Harris is destined to be a major force in US politics for years to come if she can unite the nation with a fresh approach that eases back on the angst.

Mr Biden made it clear he wanted a running mate to serve in a similar way to how he ran as number two to Barack Obama for eight years.

“I asked Kamala to be the last voice in the room. To always tell me the truth … to challenge my assumptions,” he said.

“Because that’s the way we make the best decisions for the American people.”

American politicians are generally in their winter years. Trump is 74, Biden is 77 and senior Democrat Nancy Pelosi is 80.

Ms Harris has a unique opportunity to reframe politics in the fractured country.

Because while Donald Trump has been criticised for his unorthodox ways, he has shown Americans that there are new ways to look at politics.

More than half the country hates him, but it was also arguably time for the US to throw things against the wall and see what stuck.

Ms Harris is destined to be a major force in US politics for years to come if she can unite the nation with a fresh approach that eases back on the angst. Picture: Getty Images

Ms Harris will garner strong support if she embraces the spirit of the new in a way that brings America along for the ride, rather than putting everyone off-side with abrasive language that embarrasses even the loyal.

As a career prosecutor and former California Attorney-General, Ms Harris comes across as considered, moderate and compassionate.

On the day her candidacy was announced, Democrats said they experienced record grassroots fundraising.

Despite some rocky moments in their relationship, such as when she challenged him for supporting white supremacists in a primary debate, the pair enjoy a close friendship.

They first got to know each other when Mr Biden’s son Beau was Delaware’s AG and she represented California.

She has been a willing and loyal spruiker for Joe Biden, who spent much of the presidential campaign hunkered down at home in Delaware due to coronavirus.

Ms Harris’s family include her loyal sisters, husband Douglas Emhoff and stepchildren Cole and Emily, as well as her nephews and nieces.

Earlier this year, a video of Ms Harris adorably telling her great-niece she “could be president” went viral.

As Amara expressed her desire to one day lead the country, she told the child, “You could be president. But not right now, you have to be over the age of 35.”

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Originally published as How Kamala Harris could become a major force in US politics