When Kamala Harris takes the stage at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this week as the party’s presidential nominee, she will do so fully aware that many cheering her on were once skeptical of her candidacy.
At 59, Harris has faced considerable doubt from within her own party about her ability to run for the highest office in the country, including from President Joe Biden, whom she continues to serve as vice president. Since being named the Democratic nominee in mid-July, Harris has experienced a surge of enthusiasm, reflected in increased polling, robust fundraising, and large rally crowds across the nation.
However, this newfound momentum wasn’t guaranteed. Following a failed presidential bid in 2019, Harris began her vice presidency amid challenges such as stumbles in high-profile interviews, staff turnover, and low approval ratings. Her tenure in the White House over the past three-and-a-half years has seen her struggle to connect with American voters.
Advisers and allies note that Harris has since honed her political skills, built loyal coalitions within her party, and established credibility on key issues like abortion rights that resonate with the Democratic base. She has been preparing for this moment.
As she formally accepts the Democratic nomination on Thursday, Harris has a chance to reintroduce herself on the national stage with less than 80 days until the election, which could see her become the nation’s first female president. She will need to demonstrate that she can lead a party that has not always seen her as a natural leader and remains divided on issues such as the conflict in Israel and Gaza. Above all, she must dispel any remaining doubts about her ability to defeat former President Donald Trump in a still-tight and unpredictable race.
### Path to the White House
Before Kamala Harris became a national figure, she was already recognized as a rising star within the party. Her endorsement by President Barack Obama in her 2010 race for California Attorney General helped establish her reputation.
However, her career was not without controversy. As a prosecutor, she faced criticism for not seeking the death penalty for a man who had killed a young police officer. Later, as Attorney General, she upheld the state’s death penalty despite her personal opposition.
Harris reached the peak of California state politics before being elected to the U.S. Senate on the same night Donald Trump won the 2016 presidential election. In her brief Senate tenure, she gained attention for her incisive questioning of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh during his contentious 2018 confirmation hearings.
Ambitious like Obama, Harris launched her presidential campaign midway through her first Senate term. Her campaign, initially met with great excitement, saw over 20,000 supporters at its launch in Oakland, California. However, her bid faltered before the first primary vote. Critics argued she failed to establish a clear political identity and distinguish herself among rivals like Biden and Bernie Sanders. Despite a notable moment in the June 2019 debate where she challenged Biden’s record on school desegregation, her campaign was marred by internal strife and indecision on key issues.
Eight months later, Biden set aside their primary rivalry and selected Harris as his running mate. She made history as the first woman of color nominated for the position and became the first female vice president in January 2021.
### A Rocky Start
Harris’s vice presidency began with challenges, including a difficult foreign trip to Guatemala and Mexico, which was intended to highlight her role in addressing migration. However, it was overshadowed by a contentious interview with NBC News’ Lester Holt, where she deflected repeated questions about visiting the U.S.-Mexico border. Her subsequent comments during a press conference, advising migrants not to come to the U.S., were criticized by progressives and became a focal point for Republican attacks. Despite these early hurdles, Harris has continued to work toward consolidating her position and preparing for her presidential campaign.
