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Who is Kamala Harris, the potential Democratic presidential candidate?

Who is Kamala Harris, the potential Democratic presidential candidate? Biden withdraws from US presidential race, US, July 21, 2024 (AA Photo)
By Newsroom
Jul 22, 2024 11:45 AM

In a dramatic turn of events reminiscent of the U.S. TV series “House of Cards”, President Joe Biden has announced his withdrawal from the November elections due to undisclosed health concerns

Although the Democratic Party has yet to officially announce its candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris is widely anticipated to be the party’s nominee against Donald Trump. So, Who is Kamala Harris?

Who is Kamala Harris, the potential Democratic presidential candidate?
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks next to U.S. President Joe Biden during the opening of the Biden for President campaign office in Wilmington, Delaware, U.S., Feb. 3, 2024. (Reuters Photo)

Born on Oct. 20, 1964 in California, where Hispanic immigrants live in large numbers, Harris was born to a Jamaican father and an Indian mother.

After studying law at the University of California and serving as a district attorney in San Francisco, Kamala Harris was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2016. She made history in 2020 when she became the first black female vice president of the United States.

As she prepares to compete against Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential election, Harris, an African-American politician, faces mixed reactions. While she stands as a significant figure in American politics, some critics within the black community question her trustworthiness due to her stringent policies and attitudes toward black individuals during her tenure as a prosecutor.

Kamala Harris was a key advocate for the Senate resolution passed in 2019 that recognized the so-called Armenian Genocide. Her support for the resolution resonated with her constituents in California, home to the largest Armenian community in the U.S.

Conversely, during the Trump administration, Harris faced significant criticism for her stance on U.S. involvement in Syria. She argued for maintaining a U.S. presence in the region, including support for the PKK/YPG terrorist group, which was a contentious issue and drew sharp reactions from various quarters.

If elected, Kamala Harris would make history as the first known Jewish first lady, due to her husband, Doug Emhoff, being Jewish. While her connection to the Jewish community through her husband is expected to garner support from some Jewish organizations, Harris has faced criticism for her past criticisms of Israel and her perceived support for pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

Last Updated:  Jul 22, 2024 12:33 PM