Kamala Harris Was the Establishment in an Anti-Establishment Election

In the midst of a highly contentious and divisive election year, one candidate stood out as a symbol of both the establishment and the anti-establishment: Kamala Harris. As the first woman, first Black person, and first South Asian person to be elected Vice President of the United States, Harris’s historic win was a landmark moment in American history. However, her journey to the White House was far from conventional, and her unique position as both a part of the political establishment and a challenger to the status quo made her a compelling figure in the 2020 election.

Harris’s background as a former prosecutor, attorney general, and senator made her a well-known and respected figure in Democratic politics. Her experience and connections within the party’s establishment made her a formidable candidate in the crowded Democratic primary field. However, Harris also positioned herself as a progressive voice within the party, advocating for criminal justice reform, healthcare for all, and other progressive policies that appealed to the party’s base.

Throughout the campaign, Harris walked a fine line between embracing her establishment roots and appealing to the anti-establishment sentiment that was sweeping the country. As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Harris gained national attention for her tough questioning of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh and Attorney General William Barr, positioning herself as a fierce opponent of the Trump administration. At the same time, she faced criticism from progressives for her record as a prosecutor and her past support for policies that were seen as too moderate or compromising.

Despite these challenges, Harris’s selection as Joe Biden’s running mate solidified her place in the Democratic establishment and helped to unite the party behind a common goal: defeating Donald Trump. As the first woman of color on a major party ticket, Harris inspired millions of Americans and brought a new sense of hope and possibility to the election.

In the end, Harris’s dual identity as both an establishment figure and a progressive challenger proved to be a winning formula. Her historic election as Vice President of the United States was a testament to her resilience, intelligence, and commitment to public service. As Harris takes office, she will continue to navigate the complexities of being both a part of the establishment and a force for change, working to unite a divided country and build a better future for all Americans.