This is an adapted excerpt from the Aug. 1 episode of “The Beat.”
It’s hard for me not to get emotional about Vice President Kamala Harris’ candidacy. The American people are just starting to notice what an incredible, experienced and exciting leader she is. But for those of us who’ve followed her long career, that’s the Kamala Harris we’ve always known.
During her time as vice president, she has always been loyal to President Joe Biden. Even in the midst of all the panic over what was going to happen to the future of the Democratic Party and what was going to happen in this election cycle, she stayed loyal.
However, as soon as Biden made his decision to leave the race and endorse his vice president, America finally had the chance to see the real Kamala Harris.
America finally had the chance to see the real Kamala Harris.
For those of us who have had the privilege of seeking public office and asking for people’s trust, we know what voters want in return. They want to get to know you. They don’t want a presentation of what you think they may want — they want to know the real you.
And that’s what Harris has shown to the American people. When she entered this race she came out as her full self. She came out powerfully and the people felt it.
However, that doesn’t mean it’s been an easy few weeks for her. Harris has faced baseless attacks over her racial identity and qualifications.
This is someone who was a district attorney for a major city. Someone who was elected to a statewide office in California — the most populous state in the country. Someone who was elected to the U.S. Senate. And someone who is currently in the White House.
There should be no debate over her qualifications. Her record speaks for itself. These attacks against Harris are just an example of what we have to deal with — as Black women, as women of color, as women of any race — whenever we stand up and say, I can do this. But these attacks against Harris are just an example of what we have to deal with — as Black women, as women of color, as women of any race — whenever we stand up and say, I can do this. Instead of having an honest discussion about ideas or qualifications, it devolves into personal attacks. And Harris has handled these baseless attacks masterfully. She’s been able to define herself without talking about herself. She’s differentiated herself from Trump without calling him names. She’s illustrated what kind of leader she is and will be if elected president. She’s pointed at the future and told the American public this is what they deserve.
Allison Detzel is an editor/producer for MS NOW.
Maya Wiley
Maya Wiley is president and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, the nation’s oldest, largest and most diverse civil rights coalition in the U.S. working to protect and expand civil & human rights for all. Wiley is a former legal analyst for MSNBC and NBC News.
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