Hillary Clinton on Kamala Harris
Hillary Clinton expresses strong support and admiration for Kamala Harris, viewing her as an incredibly talented individual with a good sense of values and leadership capacity. Clinton stated she has maintained a high opinion of Harris's public service record since knowing her when she was District Attorney in San Francisco, and her support intensified when Harris became Vice President.
Clinton has been a highly visible advocate for Kamala Harris's presidential bid, including speaking at the Democratic National Convention and writing endorsements. She has committed to being "100% committed" to Harris, stating she would do "anything I was asked to be helpful" in a potential administration, viewing the effort as an "all hands on deck" situation for the party.
Furthermore, Hillary Clinton frequently draws parallels between the unique challenges Harris faces as a woman of color in politics and her own experiences, noting that Harris is often underestimated. Clinton expresses significant optimism that a Harris administration could help "lower the temperature in the country" and potentially achieve a "fresh start" for American politics, seeing her as the right leader for this moment.
Timeline
- Hillary Clinton spoke at the Democratic National Convention, praising Kamala Harris's historic nomination as Vice President and recognizing the barriers she breaks.
- Wrote a New York Times op-ed endorsing Harris for president after Biden stepped aside, stating she represents a 'fresh start' and predicting unique challenges related to sexism and race.
- Gave a prime-time speech at the DNC opening, voicing excitement that Harris is close to shattering the 'highest, hardest glass ceiling'.
- Stated in an interview that she is ready to offer advice and help to a potential Harris administration, viewing it as necessary to 'break the fever' in the country.
Actions Taken
- Political EndorsementEndorsed Kamala Harris for president immediately following President Biden's withdrawal, stating America's future depends on her victory.
- Convention SpeechDelivered a speech at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) enthusiastically backing Harris and framing her as historic.
- Commitment To ServeStated willingness to serve unofficially in a Harris administration if asked, emphasizing an "all hands on deck" approach.
Key Quotes
I actually knew her way back when she was [district attorney] in San Francisco, and I kept in touch with her over the years. Her sister, Maya, worked for me in 2016. I've always had a really high opinion of her and her talents and her record of public service.
I am 100% committed to her, both when she was vice president, now as a candidate for president.
We are honored to join the President in endorsing Vice President Harris and will do whatever we can to support her. America's future depends on [her victory].
I'm very optimistic about a Harris-Walz administration, because I think it not only has the capacity to deal with all the problems we know, but maybe to lower the temperature in the country.
Comparison
- Vs. Clinton's 2016 Experience: Hillary Clinton frequently relates her own experience of facing unfair scrutiny and sexism to the unique challenges Kamala Harris is expected to face as the first Black and South Asian woman at the top of a major party ticket.
- Vision for the Country: Clinton suggests that a Harris administration, in partnership with Tim Walz, has the potential to be unifying and "lower the temperature in the country," contrasting this with the current political climate.
Sources5
Hillary Clinton sees a 'totally empowered' Harris in the fight she knows all too well
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.