Kamala Harris' Sensitivities: Navigating the Role of Vice President Amidst Criticism
Vice President Kamala Harris has been under the spotlight, not just for her groundbreaking role as the first female VP, but also for her perceived sensitivities to criticism. A recent tell-all book titled "The Last Politician" by journalist Franklin Foer delves into Harris' tenure, painting a picture of a leader deeply concerned about her public image.
According to Foer, Harris has been so attuned to public and internal criticism that it has impacted her job performance. Described by a colleague as having "rabbit ears," Harris seems to be acutely aware of any negative press or internal chatter about her. Instead of dismissing such criticism, she often seeks to identify the source, leading to instances where she has frozen out aides suspected of speaking to the press.
The book further alleges that Harris' approach to her VP duties has been influenced by the criticism she's faced. For instance, despite being assigned the Central America portfolio, she reportedly let it fall by the wayside, missing out on a chance to make a significant impact. This decision was apparently influenced by prevailing opinions that the assignment was a no-win situation.
In a surprising revelation, despite her advocacy for women and minorities, Harris reportedly expressed a desire not to work on women's issues or matters related to race. However, she was clear about wanting a majority female office and a Black woman as her chief of staff.
The dynamics within the Biden administration also play a role in Harris' experience as Vice President. The book suggests that President Joe Biden did not give Harris the same substantive role he enjoyed as Vice President under President Barack Obama. Ron Klain, Biden's Chief of Staff, reportedly took on the role of guiding Harris. However, he found it challenging, feeling that Harris imposed many constraints on herself, making her role more difficult than it needed to be.
While the book offers a critical view of Harris' tenure, it's essential to note that every administration faces its challenges. The role of Vice President is particularly complex, given its proximity to power yet often ambiguous responsibilities. As Harris navigates her position, the world watches, offering both criticism and support.