Kamala Harris Sees Herself as a Historic Figure

Former Vice President Kamala Harris recently expressed her beliefs about her legacy during an interview with The New York Times. She feels certain that a marble bust of her will eventually be placed in the Capitol building, affirming her view of herself as a “historic figure.” This conversation coincides with her promotion of her new autobiography, “107 Days,” which details her brief presidential campaign in 2024, following former President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race.

The interview was aptly titled “Kamala Harris Isn’t Ready to Be Written Off.” In it, she acknowledged the focus on the 2028 election while confidently stating, “But there will be a marble bust of me in Congress. I am a historic figure like any Vice President of the United States ever was.” She also mentioned her book tour’s success, noting, “Thousands of people are coming to hear my voice. Thousands and thousands. Every place we’ve gone has been sold out.”

Harris discussed the tradition of vice presidential busts, beginning in the late 1800s with Thomas Jefferson as the first honoree, and the most recent being Al Gore. These busts are displayed in the Senate Chamber and the vice president’s office. She pointed out that both former President Biden and former Vice President Mike Pence are waiting for similar recognition alongside her.

While admitting to her own recent political loss, Harris disagreed with former First Lady Michelle Obama’s assertion that the U.S. is “not ready” for a female president. In a past interview, Obama had firmly stated, “You are not ready for a woman,” citing societal reluctances regarding female leadership.

Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi also voiced her disagreement with Obama’s comments, asserting, “The fact is, I’ve heard every excuse in the book, like, ‘I’m not sure a woman could be commander in chief.’ Well, why not?” Harris weighed in, saying she believes the country is indeed prepared for a woman president.

Earlier in the summer, on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” Harris had remarked, “I don’t want to go back in the system. I think it’s broken…” However, in an October interview with the BBC, she hintingly shifted her perspective, suggesting she might not be finished with politics: “I am not done. I have lived my entire career as a life of service, and it’s in my bones.”

The former vice president has denied speculation about running for Governor of California in a crowded field, yet she remains hopeful about her historical significance even amid an unclear political future.