Kamala Harris, the first female Vice President of the United States, recently appeared on the popular "Call Her Daddy" podcast, addressing a range of issues from personal attacks to women's rights. The interview, released on October 1, 2023, aimed to engage young female voters ahead of the November 5 election.
Harris responded to criticism from Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who had questioned the Vice President's humility. Harris expressed sympathy for Sanders, stating:
"I feel sorry for her... I don't think she understands that there are a whole lot of women out here who one, are not aspiring to be humble; two, a whole lot of women out here who have a lot of love in their life, family in their life, and children in their life."
The Vice President also addressed comments made by Senator J.D. Vance about "childless cat ladies," describing them as "mean and mean-spirited." Harris emphasized that true leadership is measured by who one lifts up, not who one beats down.
Harris highlighted her own experience with a blended family, referring to herself as "Momala" to her stepchildren. This term, combining "mom" and "Kamala," reflects the growing acceptance of diverse family structures in modern America. The concept of blended families gained prominence in the late 20th century as divorce rates increased and societal norms evolved.
The interview also focused on women's rights and abortion access. Harris criticized Donald Trump's claim of being a "protector" of women, pointing out his role in overturning Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision that had protected abortion rights. She highlighted the increasing hardships faced by women seeking abortion care, including a case where a woman died due to new restrictions.
Harris's appearance on "Call Her Daddy" is part of a broader effort to engage young voters, particularly women. Voter turnout among young women has been increasing in recent U.S. elections, making this demographic crucial for the upcoming vote.
The podcast, hosted by Alex Cooper, has millions of listeners and has become a significant platform for discussing women's issues. Cooper's $60 million deal with Spotify in 2021 underscores the podcast's influence and reach.
As the first female, Black, and South Asian American Vice President, Harris's personal experiences inform her political stance. Her interracial and interreligious marriage to Doug Emhoff (Harris is Baptist, Emhoff is Jewish) exemplifies the diversity she champions.
The role of the U.S. Vice President has evolved significantly since its creation, with modern VPs like Harris taking on substantial policy roles. As outlined in the 25th Amendment, the Vice President is first in the line of succession if the President is unable to serve.
Harris's interview touches on the broader history of women's rights in America, which has its roots in the 19th-century suffrage movement but has expanded to encompass various social and economic issues. The ongoing debate over abortion rights, now left to individual states following the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, remains a central concern for many women voters.
As the election approaches, Harris's engagement with platforms like "Call Her Daddy" reflects the changing landscape of political communication and the importance of reaching diverse voter demographics. The Vice President's message emphasizes the need for leaders who understand and support the complexities of modern American life, including diverse family structures and women's reproductive rights.