I first met Kamala Harris at a small lunch in 2010. Just four or five of us around a table. Harris was running to become California’s next attorney general, so a friend suggested we meet her. I found Harris to be incredibly bright and charismatic. I donated to her campaign on the spot.
Afterwards, I described her as a superstar. My friend suggested Kamala Harris could be president one day. I agreed.
In the years after that initial meeting, I crossed paths with Harris several times. My husband and I were seated with her at a fundraiser in 2012. She was there to introduce President Obama. Everything was running late, so we ended up talking with her for more than an hour. She’s incredibly easy to talk to, and funny. She asks questions. She’s curious.
This video in which Harris explains dry-brining a turkey captures a bit of that vibe.
When Harris ran for U.S. senator in 2016, I met her again at a backyard fundraiser. (I keep saying “met” because while I’ve probably spoken with Harris for two hours over 14 years, she almost certainly doesn’t know who I am. And that’s totally how it should be! When it comes to people, “knowing” isn’t really reciprocal.) Harris was still the same warm/funny/smart candidate I’d met at that lunch in 2010. I happily made my donation, excited to see her become our senator.
In 2019, Harris dropped out of the crowded Democratic primary fairly early, but I was delighted to see her become Biden’s running mate. It’s easy to forget Harris has already made history as our nation’s first-ever female vice president. But then again, it’s easy to forget vice presidents if things are going well.
My most recent encounter with Harris was, again, in a back yard. In June 2024, just three days after Biden’s disastrous debate performance, Harris had to convince a group of terrified donors that the campaign could still win. She largely succeeded. She acknowledged reality — that Biden had lost the debate — but then laid out in clear terms the issues and the dangers presented by another Trump presidency. She wasn’t afraid to swear and smile and laugh. She was very much the woman I’d met at a lunch in 2010. I walked away thinking, “Man, I wish she were the candidate instead of Biden.”
And then she was.
In the 106 days she’s been at the top of the ticket, it’s been remarkable to see this singular talent translate the energy she’s always brought to one-on-one encounters to giant arenas. Beyoncé now opens for her.
This ad, the closer of the campaign, accurately captures Harris’s unique blend of compassion, curiosity and conviction.
The election is tomorrow. It could go either way. I’ve donated and phone banked and done all the things. I fervently hope Kamala Harris will be our next president.
Obviously, one votes based on which candidate best reflects their world view and priorities. But you’re also electing a person. Trust matters. So does authenticity. That’s why I’m writing up these observations.
Most people will never have the chance to meet Kamala Harris in person. But as someone who’s been lucky to interact with her over the years, I can tell you that the Kamala Harris you get face-to-face is just as impressive as the candidate on the stage.
If you’re undecided about who to vote for, or worry that Kamala Harris is some manufactured political entity, I can assure you she was this cool 14 years ago.