First Black Female U.S. Vice Presidential Candidate Nominated
Possibility of Running for Next Presidential Election if Elected 'Rises'
[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Baek Jong-min] U.S. Senator Kamala Harris, nominated as the Democratic Party's vice-presidential candidate, is a "fighter." Those who recalled her pushing former Vice President Joe Biden during last year's Democratic presidential primary TV debates did not expect Biden, the Democratic presidential candidate, to select Harris as his running mate.
Although she dropped out midway through the primary, the recognition she gained then led her to become the vice-presidential candidate. If elected as the first Black female vice president, she would also have the opportunity to break the highest "glass ceiling" in the next presidential election, achieving what former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton could not.
Since Biden would be inaugurated as president at the age of 78 if elected, it is highly likely he will not seek re-election. In that case, the prevailing expectation is that Harris will leverage the vice-presidential spotlight to run for president. For this reason, it is known that some in the Biden camp opposed her nomination, believing she would focus solely on the next presidential election upon taking office.
Nevertheless, Biden put aside any resentment from the primary debates and extended his hand to Harris. Recently, Biden met with reporters holding a memo with Harris's name on it, hinting early on that he had chosen her. The memo attracted attention because beneath Harris's name was written "holds no grudges."
Biden also mentioned his close relationship with Harris that day. When Harris served as California Attorney General, she was very close to Beau Biden, Biden's late son and then Delaware Attorney General.
Beau Biden was Biden's "painful finger." When Beau died of cancer in 2015, Biden was unable to overcome his grief and withdrew from the 2016 presidential race.
Harris and Beau Biden reportedly grew even closer as they confronted major banks over housing issues.
Father from Jamaica, Mother from India... Prosecutor-turned "Fighter"
Harris was born to a Jamaican economist father and an Indian mother. This is why she is classified as both Black and Asian.
She graduated from the prestigious Black university Howard University and entered society as a prosecutor. Her prosecutorial career is also distinguished. After serving as San Francisco District Attorney in 2004, she was elected California Attorney General in 2011.
In 2017, she was elected to the California State Senate, becoming the only Black female senator currently. Since taking office, she has shown particular interest in racial and gender issues, raising her profile.
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