In the final stages of the campaign, Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris faces the challenge of introducing herself to voters before her Republican opponent, Donald Trump, can shape the narrative. Prior to her unexpected rise to the top of the Democratic ticket, Harris remained somewhat unfamiliar in national politics due in part to her reluctance to engage with the media and embrace the limelight. Since securing the nomination, she has faced criticism from Republicans for not conducting many interviews or providing detailed policy plans.
To offer a glimpse into her personal life, Harris has been sharing insights about her childhood, cooking, and food preferences as a means to reveal her more private side. Known for her culinary skills and love for cooking, Harris even prepared a breakfast of pancakes and bacon for her niece’s daughters on the morning she received the news of Joe Biden dropping out of the race.
By discussing personal details such as her affinity for nacho cheese Doritos and the unconventional method of washing collard greens in a bathtub, Harris aims to establish connections with voters on a more intimate level. While these anecdotes alone may not sway voters, they serve to depict Harris as someone who can empathize with the concerns and experiences of everyday people.
During a recent campaign bus tour in southeastern Georgia, Harris expressed her fondness for caramel while eyeing a chocolate caramel cake at Dottie’s Market. She also engaged with a high school marching band in Hinesville, Georgia, reminiscing about her own time in a band and offering words of encouragement on the importance of practice and perseverance.
Revealing her diverse talents, Harris shared that she played the French horn, xylophone, and kettle drums during her band days. Additionally, she disclosed her unique method of preparing collard greens to chef Mashama Bailey, involving washing them in a bathtub before cooking them with bacon, garlic, chili peppers, and other ingredients.
Harris’s relatability extends to her past work experiences, including a summer job at McDonald’s, where she handled tasks such as making french fries and operating the cash register. By highlighting her middle-class background and her mother’s perseverance as a single immigrant parent, Harris seeks to demonstrate her understanding of working-class struggles in America.
Furthermore, Harris’s choice of snacks, like Doritos and root beer, and her sharing of personal anecdotes aim to humanize her in the eyes of the electorate. Through these glimpses into her personal life, Harris endeavors to showcase her multifaceted identity beyond her policy proposals and professional achievements.
