News
Kamala Harris: On The Cusp Of History, Ready To Shatter America’s Last Glass Ceiling
For years Kamala Harris faced criticism that she was not up to the job of being a heartbeat away from the presidency. Now, she finds herself feted by Democrats as their best hope to stop Donald Trump’s comeback.
Despite blazing a trail as the first woman, Black and South Asian vice president in US history, the 59-year-old Democrat long struggled with approval ratings as bad or worse than President Joe Biden’s. The last 12 months, however, have revealed a transformed Harris.
And with Biden’s endorsement of Harris after stunning the world by dropping his own reelection bid Sunday, she’s suddenly on the cusp of history.
As the ageing Biden faded over the last year, his “veep” emerged as a force on the campaign trail, pushing for abortion rights and reaching out to core voters, including suburban women and Black men.
Harris will hope she has done the hard work to earn her full party’s backing in the midst of the crisis.
With a fondness for the f-bomb and her family nickname of “Momala” going viral, she has also finally started to cut through the noise to voters who previously barely paid attention.
She has also won plaudits in party circles by staying loyal to the 81-year-old president during the last few weeks, even as political vultures circled over his candidacy.
She now is likely to face Trump — a brutal battle against a candidate who defeated Hillary Clinton in her bid to become the first female commander-in-chief in 2016.
The fact that Harris has blamed much of the criticism of her by Republicans on racism and sexism would likely make a win feel even more vindicating for her.
Trump and other Republicans have notably stepped up their attacks on her as Biden’s position weakened and polls showed Harris would fare better against him than Biden.
A child of immigrant parents — her father was from Jamaica and her mother from India — Harris grew up in Oakland, California, in an activist household that saw her attend her first rallies in a stroller.
Her focus on rights and justice saw her build an impressive CV, becoming California’s first Black attorney general and the first woman of South Asian heritage elected to the US
Senate.
Harris then went up against Biden in the 2020 primaries. In one stinging attack, she criticized him for allegedly opposing the bussing of students to segregated schools.
“There was a little girl in California who was part of the second class to integrate her public schools, and she was bussed to school every day. And that little girl was me,” she said in a barbed attack on her future boss.
But as his running mate, she consolidated the coalition that helped defeat the incumbent Trump in 2020. Her transition to the White House, however, proved difficult.
Critics said she was underwhelming and gaffe prone in a job that has been known to flummox many officeholders.
Struggling to carve out a role, she was tasked by Biden with getting to the roots of the illegal migration problem, but fumbled and then got defensive in response to a question during a visit to the Mexican border. Unusually high staff turnover fed rumors of discontent in the vice presidential office.
And Republicans relentlessly targeted her as being unfit to take over should the worst happen to America’s oldest-ever president, often resorting to stereotypes her supporters branded as sexist and racist.
Harris told the Wall Street Journal in February: “I am ready to serve. There’s no question about that.” Things began to change as the 2024 race got underway.
The Biden campaign repeatedly deployed her to battleground states to hammer home the party’s message on abortion rights, with Harris becoming the first vice president to visit an abortion clinic. Gradually, she began to draw warm and fired-up crowds.
Some of the outreach was, however, cringe-inducing. Earlier this year, she was mocked after she told chat show host Drew Barrymore her family sometimes called her “Momala,” and
Barrymore replied: “We need you to be Momala of the country.”
But voters seemed to be switching on.
A clip of her quoting her mother as often saying “You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?” became a meme, with a rising sense among supporters that now could be her time.
If elected, Harris would break one of the highest glass ceilings left for women in the United States — that of occupying the country’s top office.
Her husband, Douglas Emhoff, would also be breaking new ground, moving from being the current Second Gentleman to the country’s first First Gentleman.
Diaspora Watch: Unpacking Global Connections and Diasporic Experiences
Print on Demand & FREE Digital View: https://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/3011096?__r=1069759
SUBSCRIBE TO DIASPORA WATCH NOW ON THE BELOW LINK !!!
https://diasporawatch.com/subscribe-to-diaspora-watch-newspaper/
In a world where global connections are redefining identities, cultures, and nations, the 36th edition of Diaspora Watch delves into the complexities of transnationalism, cosmopolitanism, and creolization.
This edition brings together diverse perspectives on diaspora, from the experiences of African diasporic communities to the evolving notion of diaspora itself.
As we reflect on the changing landscapes of diaspora, we are reminded of the power of global connections in shaping our understanding of identity, culture, and belonging.
From Peter Obi’s advocacy for electoral transparency in Nigeria to the trailblazing leadership of Aisha Braveboy in Maryland politics, this edition of Diaspora Watch celebrates the achievements and contributions of diasporic communities worldwide.
We also examine the intricate relationships between diaspora, globalization, and power, as seen in the impact of USAID funds on terrorism, including Boko Haram, and the freezing of mineral exports in Malawi.
Furthermore, we explore the role of social media in transforming lives, as exemplified by Peller’s journey from carpentry to earning millions on TikTok.
Get your copy of Diaspora Watch’s 36th edition today and stay ahead of the curve on the latest news, trends, and analysis from around the world!
-
- Diaspora Watch Vol, 36 – Unpacking Global Connections and Diasporic Experiences
Welcome to the 32nd edition of Diaspora Watch, your premier source of news, insights, and analysis on the global diaspora community. In this edition, we delve into the most pressing issues affecting diaspora communities worldwide, from politics and economics to social justice and culture.
FREE Digital View & Print on Demand:
https://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/2984125?__r=1069759
Diaspora Watch Vol. 32 on our website:
https://diasporawatch.com/diaspora-watch-vol-32-january-6-to-12-2025/
SUBSCRIBE TO DIASPORA WATCH NOW ON THE BELOW LINK !!!
https://diasporawatch.com/subscribe-to-diaspora-watch-newspaper/
Our cover headlines are as diverse as they are impactful. We examine Nigeria’s lavish military retirement perks, which have raised eyebrows and ire among citizens. We also report on the devastating earthquake that struck Tibet, killing at least 95 people and injuring 130 others.
In the world of politics, we cover President Biden’s honoring of 19 exceptional individuals with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, as well as Austria’s precarious political situation as coalition talks collapse.
In addition, we celebrate the achievements of outstanding individuals, including Abbie Stockard, the newly crowned Miss America 2025, and Demi Moore, who won her first Golden Globe Award for her role in “The Substance.” We also report on Microsoft’s record $80 billion investment in AI infrastructure and CARICOM Chair Mia Mottley’s ambitious agenda for 2025.
Other notable stories in this edition include the massive fire that destroyed Kantamanto Market in Ghana, affecting over 30,000 traders, and Nigeria’s travel advisory for citizens traveling to Australia.
We also profile Nigeria-born Derek Obialo, who was sworn in as Associate Judge of the 240th District Court in Texas.
As always, Diaspora Watch is committed to providing you with the most comprehensive and engaging coverage of the global diaspora community. We hope you enjoy this edition and look forward to your feedback.
Dignitaries, Chiefs, Others In Attendance As PCNI Austin Branch Celebrates End of Year Party In Texas
It was a night of glamour and excitement as the Austin Branch of the People’s Club of Nigeria International (PCNI) held its end of year party on Saturday, November 30, 2024.Diaspora Watch reports that the well-attended event, which took place at Wingate by Wyndham Round Rock Hotel and Conference Center, Texas, was a celebration of the branch’s achievements and a show of appreciation to God for His blessings throughout the year.
In his address, Hon. Chief Chris Lemchi, the Action Chairman of PCNI Austin Branch who doubles as Akudo 1 of Okwelle Ancient Kingdom welcomed guests and appreciated the presence of dignitaries from various branches of the club.
The event was also graced by the presence of Patron-Elect Ichie Napoleon Onyeje, Mirienweiro, Hon. Patron Chief Dr. Don Ibekwe, Ulu Nimo from Galveston Branch, Patron, Chief Dr. Onyekachi Okoro, Patron-Elect, First National PCNI Vice President Emeritus, Chairman Emeritus, Secretary Emeritus Dallas Branch and the Sponsoring Chairman of our awesome Austin Branch, Assistant National Secretary Hon. Emmanuel Onwukamuche, Secretary Emeritus, First International Branch Houston, High Chief Humphrey Enyioha, Ikoroukwu Texarkana Branch, Hon. Chief Bright Nwokocha, Ugwumba, Chairman Emeritus, First International Branch – Houston, Hon. Nze Dr. Bon Ikwuagwu, Omekaozuo, Chairman 1st International Branch Houston, Hon. Ichie High Chief Sir Dr. Peter I. Okafor, Agbawodike Izu, Chairman Emeritus Dallas, Hon. Chief Chris Ogbuehi, Chairman-Elect – Dallas, Hon. Prince Ike Ginigeme, Founding Chairman Waco Branch, Hon. Chief Dr. Emma Igwe – Founding Chairman Texarkana Branch, Hon. Chief Dr. Emma Igwe, Founding Chairman Texarkana Branch, and Hon. Chief Clara Obidike-Egbim, Okwuru Okarisia 1 of Ebikoro Kingdom, Anyanwu Nwanneka – Founding Chairman of People’s Club of Nigeria- Gainesville Branch and PA to PCNI International President.
Other dignitaries included the President General of Enyimba, Honorable Ubabuike, UBA, Chief Martin Osuji, president Coal City, Chief Francis Odu, president Enyimba Austin, and Chief Fred Ojiyi, President IPC, Hon. Chief Chris Lemchi, Akudo 1 Of Okwelle Ancient Kingdom, Action Chairman PCNI Austin Branch, First Lady, Lolo Rachel Lemchi, Kpakpandudiya, Adakekeocha and Patron-Elect Ichie Napoleon Onyeje, Mirienweiro.
Lady Gladys Afam:A Shining Star in the Diaspora Community
#MaryOla: A Unique Celebration of Love Beyond Borders
Diaspora Watch – Vol. 36
Diaspora Watch 20th Edition (October 14-20, 2024): Your Trusted Source for Global News and Insights
Revolutionary mRNA Lung Cancer Vaccine Trial Offers New Hope To Thousands
