Brains and drive -- what else?

I read a book about Joe Biden. The least I could do was read the available book about Kamala Harris. So I did.

Author Dan Morain strikes me as bringing a conventional state capitol journalist's perspective to California's current favorite daughter: congratulatory, careful, and slightly cynical. After four decades of urban and state political reporting, his viewpoint is no surprise. Up close, Sacramento and its denizens most likely always looks powerful, compromised, and slightly sleazy.

Simon & Schuster bills Kamala's Way: An American Life as "a revelatory biography." It is not.

The later part of the publisher's blurb does seem more accurate; this is a detailed accounting of Vice President Harris' life, upbringing, some influences, career, some accomplishments:

"... the kind of people she brings into her orbit, the sorts of problems she’s good at solving, and the missteps, risks, and bold moves she’s made on her way to the top."

If the story of Harris's career is unfamiliar, this is a good introduction. As a dabbler in San Francisco and California politics for decades, I appreciate that Morain understands and explains why Northern California contributes so much beyond its population size to the state's politics. It's not just the available political cash; Los Angeles and Hollywood provide plenty of that too. It's also the intimacy of a setting in which committed activists clamor to be heard and give all politicians a rough ride. Those who prevail get tough. Harris learned survivor's moves -- navigating a still white-dominated political environment.

And for all her lofty perch, we still don't know quite what beyond brains and ambition drive Harris. Morain tries -- in his telling her most authentic policy passion, the aspect of her career that stands out, has been defense of children from racist limitations, neglect, and predators. That's not a full agenda, but it's certainly a good base from which to start.

Beyond Morain's scope is the marvelous symbolism which Harris' new position embodies. I'll leave it to Nsé Ufot of the New Georgia Project to explain:

Harris’ election proves what many of us have always known: We do not need to moderate or shrink from who we are as a party in order to win elections — a winning platform can be rooted in equity and justice. ... With Harris, America will have a vice president who knows what it means to be a Black woman in a country that too often takes our experiences and needs for granted (until it desperately needs us to save itself).

After reading Dan Morain, I looked back at two of my own takes on Harris: when she ended her presidential campaign and when Joe Biden chose her to be Veep. I think they hold up pretty well. 

This incredibly accomplished woman is still unfinished, still becoming. I look forward to seeing what she makes of the next four years and beyond.