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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.
In a bid to reduce the country’s planet-warming emissions, the UK government has announced a £180 million investment in solar panels for hundreds of schools and hospitals across the country.
This move is part of the government’s efforts to achieve its long-term climate goals and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
The investment, which is the first major project from Great British Energy, the government’s new state owned energy company, is expected to provide solar panels for 200 schools and 200 hospitals.
This will not only help reduce energy bills but also cut carbon emissions and promote sustainability.
According to Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, “Great British Energy’s first major project will be to help our vital public institutions save hundreds of millions on bills to reinvest on the frontline.”
He added that the project will help reduce the financial pressure of energy bills on schools and hospitals.
The announcement has been welcomed by schools, unions, and NHS estate managers, who have long been advocating for measures to reduce energy costs.
Paul Whiteman, NAHT general secretary, said that the investment is a “step in the right direction” and will help schools manage energy bills, which have been a significant financial burden in recent years.
However, not everyone is optimistic about the investment.
Andrew Bowie, shadow energy secretary, argued that the government’s net zero plans will make the country “poorer.”
He claimed that the investment will lead to increased reliance on foreign powers like Russia.
In contrast, energy experts believe that investing in renewable energy will reduce the UK’s reliance on imports.
Jess Ralston, energy analyst at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, said that the investment in solar panels will improve energy security and reduce the amount of gas imported from countries like Russia.
The first solar panels are expected to be installed by the end of the summer, with a focus on areas of “highest need.”
Get ready for the most explosive edition yet! Diaspora Watch 39th edition is packed with breaking news, shocking revelations, and heartwarming stories that will leave you breathless!
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DIASPORA WATCH 39TH EDITION: GLOBAL NEWS EXPLOSION!
Putin and Trump hold the fate of Ukraine in the balance as they engage in high-stakes talks! What will be the outcome? Find out inside!
Mark Carney sworn in as Canadian Prime Minister! A new era begins in Canadian politics, but what does the future hold?
Trump drops a bombshell, declaring Biden’s last-minute pardons “null and void”! The implications are staggering – get the full story inside!
Global growth set to slow down in 2025 and 2026, warns OECD report! What does this mean for the global economy?
SpaceX capsule delivers four astronauts to International Space Station! A historic achievement in space exploration that will leave you starstruck!
Your WhatsApp account can be compromised in minutes – find out how to stay safe online!
African Union rejects parallel government in Sudan, warns of country’s partition! The AU takes a firm stance on Sudan’s political crisis – get the latest inside!
Nigeria set to appoint new envoys as vetting process begins! Who will make the cut?
Nnamdi Kanu expresses gratitude as Chief Justice reassigned terrorism case! A significant development in the Nnamdi Kanu case – find out more!
ECOWAS Parliament intervenes in Guinea-Bissau, Liberia crises! Regional leaders work towards a peaceful resolution – get the full story!
And in a heartwarming turn of events, Asake reconciles with ailing father, promises new house and responsibility for 11-year-old daughter!
Diaspora Watch Unveils 38th Edition: Get ready for the most anticipated edition yet!
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Diaspora Watch is proud to present its 38th edition, packed with the latest news, trends, and analysis from around the world.
Our cover headlines are buzzing with hot topics: the mass trial of opposition figures in Tunisia, the UK government’s refusal to pay Rwanda over a canceled migrant deal, and Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress, outlining his vision for a second term.
But that’s not all – we’re also diving into the world of sports, with a special feature on Nigeria’s first Super Bowl winner, Moro Ojomo, who received a hero’s welcome at Aso Villa. And, meet the 35-year-old Nigerian man who’s making waves with his incredible talent for building helicopters and guns from rubber!
In our lifestyle section, we’re exploring the devastating consequences of procrastination and how to overcome it. Plus, find out why Nigerian celebrities are caught up in Lamborghini fever!
As always, Diaspora Watch is your premier source for compelling stories, analysis, and perspectives that matter to Africans everywhere.
So, grab your copy now and stay informed, inspired, and connected to the global African community!
Diaspora Diva – Aisha Bowe
Diaspora Watch – Vol. 40
UK Invests £180 Million In Solar Panels For Schools And Hospitals
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