US Vice President - Five things you need to know about Kamala Harris
Over and done: US-President Joe Biden announced on Sunday via social media that he would be stepping out of the presidential race. He will not run again. The 81-year-old has faced intense pressure within the party in recent weeks due to his advanced age and numerous gaffes during public appearances. Biden endorsed his vice president Kamala Harris as his replacement for the presidential election in November. Here are five facts you should know about the 59-year-old Democrat.
1. Kamala Harris is the first woman and the first Black person in the US Vice Presidency
Born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California, Harris' father emigrated from Jamaica to study economics in the USA. The expectations for Harris as a pioneer in the role of Vice President were immense. The former Senator struggled to make an impact in the role as Biden's deputy in recent years.
2. Harris is also the first American with Asian roots in the Vice Presidency
Her mother – a cancer researcher and civil rights activist – emigrated from India and met Harris' father in the 60s in the USA. Harris' parents divorced later. She herself says India is an important part of her life. When they were still children, she and her sister Maya would travel almost every other year to India to visit relatives – and to develop a love for Indian food.
3. Harris has a "Law-and-order" past
She was the first Black District Attorney of San Francisco and later the first Attorney General in her home state of California. Her tough Law-and-Order stance in the past was controversial within the party. When she joined the US Senate in 2017, she used her experience as District Attorney in Congressional hearings and stood out with her firm and effective questioning style.
4. Harris is a sneaker fan
The Vice President has a fondness for sneakers. Whenever the occasion permits, Harris can be seen wearing sneakers. Her favorite model: the iconic "Chucks" from Converse manufacturer. "I love my Chucks," she said during the 2021 campaign while shopping for sneakers publicly for PR purposes.
5. Harris met her husband at a blind date
Harris found her partner Doug Emhoff relatively late in life. A friend arranged a blind date for the two of them in California, where they lived at the time. They married the following year. Emhoff has two grown children, Cole and Ella, from his first marriage. They call Harris "Momala." Emhoff became the first man to be appointed as the "Second Gentleman" in the USA. He could potentially become the "First Gentleman," which would also be a novelty.
In light of Joe Biden's recent announcement to step down from the presidential race, his vice president Kamala Harris has gained significant attention. As the first woman, first Black person, and first individual with Asian roots to hold the role of Vice President in the United States of America, Harris has faced significant expectations and challenges.
Harris' connection to India is deeply rooted, with her mother being a civil rights activist who emigrated from India and her frequent childhood visits to India to see relatives, fostering her love for Indian cuisine.
