Kamala Harris claims her 'historic' legacy ensures a 'marble bust' in the Capitol
WASHINGTON, DC: Former Vice President Kamala Harris asserted her lasting place in American history during a candid new interview, declaring that she was a "historic figure" who was destined to be memorialized in the US Capitol regardless of future political moves.
In a profile published by The New York Times, Harris dismissed the intense speculation surrounding a potential 2028 presidential run, arguing that her legacy was already cemented.
"I understand the focus on ’28 and all that," Harris told reporter Shane Goldmacher. "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."
Profile highlights lack of political strategy
Despite Harris's confidence in her legacy, the profile, described by observers as "not-entirely-flattering," reportedly paints a picture of a politician who has stepped back from the arena.
Goldmacher observed that while "Ms Harris is busy selling books - a lot of them," she is "not yet selling herself."
"Old advisers, both allied and estranged, have squinted from afar at her book tour, wondering what exactly her strategy is, or if there is any at all," the article noted.
The piece pointed out that in the year since her electoral loss, Harris has "not capitalized" on the goodwill generated by her campaign and has largely remained a "bystander in the Democratic Party’s raging debate over its direction."
Kamala Harris admits 'recklessness' regarding Joe Biden
The interview also touched on her relationship with former President Joe Biden.
According to the profile, Harris has done little to distance herself from Biden, with one notable exception: admitting that she should have intervened regarding his decision to seek re-election.
She confessed aloud that it was "recklessness" on her part not to have discouraged him from running again.
Beyond that admission, however, the NYT noted that there has been "virtually none of the strategic repackaging that a future candidate typically does, the buffing out of flaws and shining up of strengths."
Enjoying freedom from 'transactional' politics
Harris appears to be embracing a new phase of life unburdened by the pressures of campaigning.
She told the NYT that she was enjoying the freedom from what she called the "transactional" constrictions of asking people for a vote and did not "feel burdened" by polls or "punditry pecking order."
When pressed on her current philosophy, Harris offered a simple, if admittedly earnest, explanation.
"This sounds really corny," Harris said. "But we have to stand for the people. And I know that sounds corny. I know that. But I mean it. I mean it."
