Kamala Harris, the vice president of the United States, celebrated her 59th birthday with a mix of work and a small gathering with family and friends on Oct 20.
However, an unexpected summons from the president to address the ongoing crisis in Israel and Gaza altered her plans, highlighting the constant demands of her role as the first woman, first Black person, and first person of South Asian descent to serve as vice president.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Harris shared insights into her daily routine, acknowledging the pressures and scrutiny that come with her historic position. Despite facing criticism and navigating negativity, she remains focused on the support she receives and emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with people who provide constructive feedback.
Harris, who is determined to take each day as it comes, recognizes the challenges of a hyperpolarized political landscape and strives to concentrate on those who encourage her ambition. Despite dips in her favorability rating, especially in comparison to her initial historic win with President Joe Biden, Harris continues to engage with various demographics, recently drawing over 10,000 Gen Z students on her “Fight for Our Freedoms College Tour.”
Leading the administration’s public stance on immigration, Harris faces dissent from multiple sides, showcasing the complexities of her role. However, experts note that the polarized political climate makes widespread popularity challenging for any administration. Harris’s unique impact as a trailblazer, particularly with her focus on women and girls, is felt both domestically and internationally.
While the possibility of becoming the first Madam President looms, Harris remains committed to the present, concentrating on the 2024 reelection efforts alongside Biden. Her mantra of “eating no for breakfast” reflects her resilience and determination to break barriers. At home, Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, redefine the traditional roles of vice president and second gentleman, adding new chapters to the history books.
Emhoff, the first second gentleman and the first Jewish person among the “Big Four” in the White House, emphasizes the importance of approaching their moments together as a couple, not just as political figures. Harris, known as “Momala” to her stepchildren, cherishes family moments and finds joy in cooking for generations coming together.
She also shared that she attended Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour this summer, she says her favorite song is “Break My Soul.”
She said:
“I just love that song,” she says. “I play it all the time. I think it’s one of the anthems for women . . . when [Beyoncé says] ‘you,’ you could be life, you could be a person, you could be a situation. You will not break my soul. I can endure.”
