Consider This from NPR: Kamala Harris Ran a Historic Campaign. What Will Her Legacy Be?

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In this episode of NPR's "Consider This," host Juana Summers delves into the historic presidential campaign of Vice President Kamala Harris, exploring its significance, impact, and the legacy it may leave behind. The discussion centers around the perspectives of women of color who supported Harris and an in-depth analysis with sociologist and New York Times columnist Tressie McMillan Cottom.

1. Introduction

Juana Summers begins by highlighting the end of Vice President Kamala Harris's four-month presidential campaign, describing it as a historic endeavor that, despite its defeat, left a profound impact on many Americans. The conversation sets the stage for examining what Harris's campaign means for the future of American politics and representation.

2. Impact on Women of Color

The episode features heartfelt reactions from women of color who found inspiration in Harris's candidacy:

• Jeanne Francois, a senior at Howard University (Harris's alma mater), expresses the empowering effect of Harris's run:

  "She really painted a portrait that no matter what, our voices are heard, our voices matter and we're worthy to be in positions like that just is ingrained in me to keep pushing forward for things that I want to pursue in my life and my career."
  (00:22)

• Jalika Ali, a 65-year-old resident of New York City, shares her connection to Harris through her multiracial identity and discusses the broader challenges faced by women of color in politics:

  "I really saw myself in her because I am black and Asian, South Asian, and it was time for the change... Sexism and racism, that's really what it comes down to."
  (00:57 & 01:24)

Both women convey a sense of disappointment with the election outcome but maintain hope for future progress:

"She should hold her head up high. She was the first, and she would take the brunt of this loss. But history will serve her."
(01:48)

3. Analysis with Tressie McMillan Cottom

To provide a deeper understanding of Harris's campaign and its implications, Juana Summers interviews Tressie McMillan Cottom, a sociologist and esteemed opinion columnist.

a. Personal Expectations and Feelings

Cottom reflects on her personal expectations versus her feelings post-election:

"I expected to feel... a similar sense of hopefulness... But I struggled with the fact that it didn't have for me the same scale and depth of hopefulness."
(04:30)

She discusses the context of Harris's nomination, framing it within a time when democracy itself feels "in crisis," which added layers of complexity to the campaign’s emotional impact.

b. Black Women's Role in the Democratic Party

Cottom emphasizes the pivotal role black women have played in sustaining the Democratic Party:

"Black women are voters. We are constituents. We're not just soldiers in the battle for democracy."
(07:21)

She critiques the narrative that frames black women solely as saviors of democracy, advocating instead for recognizing them as multifaceted voters with diverse political interests.

c. Institutional Support and Party Infrastructure

Addressing the Democratic Party's support (or lack thereof), Cottom argues that while Harris was an effective institutional player who raised significant funds, the party has historically failed to provide adequate support for black women candidates down-ballot:

"If you want a black woman leader... that person needs an infrastructure beneath her."
(09:27)

She points out that persistent institutional barriers hinder the mobilization and success of black women candidates, a problem rooted in the party's historical shortcomings.

d. Legacy and Future Lessons

Cottom explores what Harris's campaign teaches future black women candidates:

• Building a Broad Coalition: Drawing from the Obama era, she suggests that future campaigns should focus on creating inclusive coalitions that make diverse voters feel valued beyond identity politics.

• Leveraging Presidential Power: Harris demonstrated that black women can embody presidential strength, challenging stereotypes that limit women to certain political narratives.

  "There were questions about whether or not women can be seen as powerful... But Harris ran as an aggressive foreign policy hawk... I think that can be part of the political playbook moving forward."
  (14:46)

• Fundraising and Institutional Support: Cottom highlights the importance of robust fundraising and institutional backing to sustain and elevate black women candidates in the political arena.

4. Conclusion

The episode concludes by reaffirming the historic nature of Kamala Harris's campaign. Despite not securing the presidency, Harris's run has set a precedent and provided valuable insights for future generations of black women leaders. Tressie McMillan Cottom's analysis underscores the need for structural changes within the Democratic Party to genuinely support and elevate black women beyond symbolic representation.

Notable Quotes:

• "Just seeing that she was able to be in a position like that is really inspiring for me and other young black women."
  — Tressie McMillan Cottom (00:09)

• "We have more to offer this party than our identity and our commitment."
  — Tressie McMillan Cottom (07:21)

• "She ran as an aggressive foreign policy hawk... I think that can be part of the political playbook moving forward."
  — Tressie McMillan Cottom (14:46)

Produced by: Katherine Fink
Edited by: Courtney Dorning
Executive Producer: Sami Yenigun

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