Kamala Harris’s political career, which once appeared to be fueled by remarkable fortune, finally revealed how quickly such luck can diminish, leaving a different outcome than many had expected. For a time, it seemed as though Harris’s political rise was blessed by fortune, with her ascent feeling almost preordained.
However, rather than fully embracing this stroke of luck, Harris and the Democratic elite placed their faith in the idea that her destiny was to become a national leader. They were confident that their insistence on her potential could turn their belief into reality.
Despite a promising ascent, Harris’s career shows how quickly political fortunes can change
In 2024, Harris was handed the Democratic nomination with minimal opposition, an extraordinary political moment. Historically, such opportunities were earned through extraordinary achievements outside the political sphere, as seen with figures like Dwight D. Eisenhower and George Washington. But Harris had not gained such renown or made such contributions outside the political world.
Her unchallenged nomination was akin to a fairy tale, marking the culmination of a political story that defied the usual routes to power. Harris’s career was marked by a pattern of surprising political advancements, including displacing a mentor in San Francisco, moving up to attorney general of California, and swiftly securing a Senate seat.
These rapid ascensions seemed to happen without much resistance or personal sacrifice. Even as her political fortunes appeared to peak, Harris’s path was still far from conventional. In 2020, she entered the presidential race with only a few years in the Senate, competing in a packed field of left-leaning candidates.
Her strong ties to California, the largest and wealthiest state in the party, as well as her identity as a woman and a minority, gave her distinct advantages that set her apart from many rivals.
Yet despite all these factors, Harris failed to gain the necessary support to remain in the race. Although she had the political infrastructure and demographic backing, her campaign faltered, and she withdrew from the presidential contest by December 2019, having failed to make a serious impact.
Her presidential campaign may have ended in failure, but her political career didn’t falter for long. In an unexpected twist, Harris was selected as Joe Biden’s running mate, even though her campaign had performed poorly.
In an ironic reversal, her perceived weaknesses were offset by Biden’s, and her background, which mirrored key Democratic values, helped balance Biden’s shortcomings in a way that benefited both.
Once in the White House, Harris had a chance to take on a prominent role, but her time in office was marred by ineffective leadership and political missteps.
As her tenure wore on, some Democrats questioned whether she should remain on the ticket for the next election. Although Biden stood by her, Harris’s visibility in the administration remained limited.
However, just when it seemed as though her political relevance might fade, Harris’s fortunes took another unexpected turn. Following a poor performance by Biden in a critical debate and growing concerns about his suitability for a second term, Harris was thrust into the spotlight again.
The Democratic Party, in an unprecedented move, rallied around her as their 2024 nominee, with little contest or pushback. Harris’s political comeback was backed by considerable financial support, including millions from her own campaign and the relief funds from Democratic donors following Biden’s departure.
The media, which had long shielded Biden from critical scrutiny, offered similar leniency to Harris, downplaying her absences from public view and minimizing the rare times she did face questions.
At first, the Democratic Party’s optimism seemed well-placed, as Harris gained a polling lead over Donald Trump. Her campaign appeared poised to take full advantage of her position, bolstered by favorable public sentiment.
However, even with these advantages, Harris’s public persona began to sour. Her rhetorical missteps and awkward public appearances led to a noticeable decline in her support, and her lead in the polls diminished.
Harris’s political trajectory eventually became a cautionary tale about overconfidence. The Democratic elite believed that with the right political momentum, anyone could be made into a viable presidential candidate.
Harris, too, thought she could coast to victory, relying on her political connections and public image. Voters hoped that the past would be overlooked, but in the end, Harris’s ambitions outpaced her abilities, and the fairy tale of her political rise turned into a story of miscalculation and missed opportunity.
