Challenges Faced by Kamala Harris: Obstacles and Turning Points

Life is full of challenges, and Kamala Harris faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Kamala Harris is an American politician and attorney, notable as the 49th Vice President of the United States (2021-2025) under President Joe Biden. She holds the distinction of being the first female, African American, and Asian American to hold the office. Previously, she served as a U.S. Senator representing California (2017-2021) and as the Attorney General of California (2011-2017). A member of the Democratic Party, Harris was the party's nominee in the 2024 presidential election.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2015: Criticism for Blocking Gender-Affirming Care

In 2015, Kamala Harris was criticized for a federal court motion she filed to block gender-affirming medical care for a transgender inmate, after the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals had ruled that denying that treatment violated the 8th Amendment's prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment.

October 2018: Target of Mail Bombing Attempts

In October 2018, Kamala Harris was a target of the United States mail bombing attempts.

March 2019: Called for William Barr to testify before Congress

In March 2019, Kamala Harris called for U.S. Attorney General William Barr to testify before Congress regarding the Mueller Report. She advocated for transparency after Robert Mueller submitted his report on Russian interference in the 2016 election.

April 2019: Urged President Trump not to cut aid to Central American countries

In April 2019, Kamala Harris joined 33 other Senate Democrats and independents in writing a letter urging President Trump not to cut aid to El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, arguing that such cuts would damage national security and aggravate conditions in Central America.

May 1, 2019: Called for Barr's resignation after his testimony

On May 1, 2019, Kamala Harris called for Attorney General William Barr to resign after his testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee. She accused him of misrepresenting the Mueller report and refusing to answer her questions truthfully.

June 2019: Scolded Joe Biden at Democratic presidential debate

During the first Democratic presidential debate in June 2019, Kamala Harris criticized former Vice President Joe Biden for remarks he made about working with senators who opposed integration efforts, which led to a rise in her poll numbers afterward.

December 3, 2019: Withdrew from the 2020 presidential election

On December 3, 2019, Kamala Harris withdrew from the 2020 presidential election, citing a shortage of funds.

January 16, 2020: Remarks on integrity of the justice system and the impeachment trial of Donald Trump

On January 16, 2020, before the opening of Donald Trump's impeachment trial, Kamala Harris delivered remarks on the Senate floor about the integrity of the American justice system and the principle that no one is above the law. She later voted to convict Trump on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

2020: Election of Kamala Harris

In 2020, the presidential election happened and compared to this election, all 50 states and DC trended rightward in the 2024 presidential election.

March 24, 2021: Assigned to address irregular migration to the Mexico-United States border

On March 24, 2021, Kamala Harris was assigned by President Biden to work with Mexico and Northern Triangle nations to address irregular migration to the Mexico–United States border and address the root causes of migration.

June 2021: First international trip as Vice President

In June 2021, Kamala Harris conducted her first international trip as Vice President, visiting Guatemala and Mexico in an attempt to address the root causes of an increase in migration from Central America to the United States.

2021: Start of Inflation Surge

In 2021, an inflation surge began, lasting through 2023, and was considered a key factor in the 2024 global backlash against incumbent parties.

August 2022: Low Approval Ratings

According to a RealClear Politics polling average, a record low of 34.8% of Americans had a favorable view of Kamala Harris in August 2022.

2023: End of Inflation Surge

In 2023, the inflation surge that began in 2021 came to an end, and was considered a key factor in the 2024 global backlash against incumbent parties.

2023: "Fell Out of a Coconut Tree" Clip

In 2024, a video clip from 2023 of Kamala Harris saying "You think you just fell out of a coconut tree? You exist in the context of all in which you live and what came before you" at a White House event went viral.

July 2024: Launched Presidential Campaign

In July 2024, Kamala Harris launched her presidential campaign after Joe Biden withdrew his candidacy. She selected Tim Walz as her running mate but ultimately lost the election to Donald Trump and JD Vance.

September 10, 2024: Harris and Trump Presidential Debate

On September 10, 2024, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump participated in a presidential debate hosted by ABC News in Philadelphia. Analysts declared Harris the winner, citing her strong performance, particularly on abortion rights. Shortly after, Taylor Swift endorsed Harris.

November 5, 2024: Harris Loses Presidential Election to Trump

On November 5, 2024, Kamala Harris lost the 2024 United States presidential election to Donald Trump, losing both the Electoral College vote (312 to 226) and the popular vote (48.3% to 49.8%).

2024: Trump as Opponent

In 2024, Donald Trump was her future opponent in the United States presidential election, Donald Trump.

2024: Viral Memes

Since the launch of her 2024 presidential campaign, Kamala Harris's remarks have been widely shared as memes, resulting in press coverage of her public image.