First Woman and Person of Color Vice President Harris: "Will Hold the Most Powerful Authority"

Biden's Possibility of a Single Term Due to Age and Being Considered a Leading Next Presidential Candidate

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris took the oath of office before the Supreme Court justices at the inauguration ceremony held at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on the 20th (local time). Washington, U.S. ? Photo by AP Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] How far do the powers of Kamala Harris, the first person of color and woman to become Vice President of the United States, extend? On the 20th (local time), Harris was inaugurated as the 49th Vice President of the United States, breaking the barrier of the White male-dominated White House second-in-command and beginning a historic term.

Vice President Harris, who also serves as the President of the Senate, began her first official act by presiding over the Senate session that day. Currently, the Senate is evenly split with 50 Democrats and 50 Republicans, and Harris, as Senate President, holds the casting vote in key decisions. Immediately after her inauguration, Harris posted her first message on her official Twitter account, stating simply, "Ready to get to work (as Vice President)."

As the first in the presidential line of succession, 56-year-old Vice President Harris is considered a strong potential candidate for the next presidential election, succeeding President Joe Biden. Since Biden will be 82 years old at the end of his first term in 2024, it is likely he will serve only one term.

This is why there is speculation that Harris will become the most influential Vice President in U.S. history. This contrasts with Joe Biden’s role as Vice President during Barack Obama’s presidency, where he was more of an aide, and is comparable to former Vice President Mike Pence, who wielded considerable power with the absolute trust of former President Donald Trump, overseeing policy teams and super PACs (political action committees).

The New York Times (NYT) reported, "Vice President Harris will be involved in overall governance, and this role could make her the most influential Vice President in U.S. history." The Washington Post (WP) also stated, "The moment Harris took the oath of office, the possibility arose that she would become the most influential Vice President in American history."

As Vice President, Harris is expected to lead the COVID-19 response team, which Pence previously oversaw, and take charge of domestic policy, shaping the broad framework of economic policy for the post-COVID era. She is also likely to spearhead efforts to erase the legacy of former President Trump, including rejoining the climate change agreement and leveraging her experience as California’s Attorney General to take on judicial reform powers.

Reflecting her progressive platform during the Democratic presidential primary and her status as a non-White candidate, Harris is also expected to focus on immigration reform, healthcare system reform, and human rights initiatives. However, unlike Biden, who has extensive foreign and military experience, Harris lacks such a background, making it unlikely she will inherit those powers.

Meanwhile, Harris wore a purple suit symbolizing women, minorities, and unity at the inauguration. Purple was the symbolic color used during the Democratic primary campaign in the last presidential election. The suit was designed by Black designers Christopher John Rogers and Sergio Hudson. The NYT noted, "This also honors Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman to run for U.S. president decades ago." CNN praised Harris, saying, "She stands at one of the most important moments in American history, representing many women and people of color in the U.S."