Kamala Harris, who most recently lost the vice presidential race, is slated to participate in a public speaking event in San Francisco this Wednesday. This potentially cumbersome appearance marks her first substantial public effort since her electoral defeat. She has been invited by Emerge, an organization that has set its sights on coaching Democratic women to aim for political appointments across the United States. The entity declared Harris as the flagship speaker at their 20th-anniversary dinner on their recent Monday announcement.
Emerge’s President and CEO, A’shanti Gholar, declared Kamala Harris as the prototypical ‘Emerge woman’ in a press note. She curved her praise of Harris around the belief that Harris continues to cheerlead for Emerge, advocating for them tirelessly. Gholar insists that Harris is a steadfast ally for encouraging women to secure elected positions, a stance many might find debatable.
Emerge’s roots were established in the aftermath of Harris’ run for district attorney in San Francisco in 2002. The organization supposedly identified a requirement for an initiative that could educate women candidates on navigating election campaigns successfully. However, the effectiveness of such initiatives can be called into question, especially given Harris’ own unsuccessful electoral pursuits.
As per Emerge’s claims, the outfit boasts of more than 6,500 individuals who have completed the program. Around 1,200 of these have secured some form of governmental position. Yet, the extent to which Emerge’s training contributed to these alleged achievements remains unclear and may well be a moot point given their high-profile failure with Harris.
Gholar made a point of glorifying Harris by attributing her the honorary position of a co-founder within their organization. She expressed an expectant sentiment about jointly celebrating their ‘legacy’ whilst simultaneously battling for what they believe to be a more desirable future. Given recent electoral outcomes, one might wonder if their shared ‘legacy’ is something to show off or push under the rug.
Befitting the low-key lifestyle she has maintained since her defeat to President Trump, Harris’ appearance in the upcoming gala can be seen as a rather ironic rebound. We saw the first 100 days of Trump’s presidency reach its milestone on Tuesday. With failures like Harris’ behind them, some might wonder about the administration’s performance and goals.
The gala is set for Wednesday evening at the Palace Hotel, a popular historic landmark in San Francisco. Harris’ keynote address, despite its dubious worth, has been scheduled as one segment of the event. Yet, it is worth noting that she will not be the only speaker gracing the occasion.
Accompanying Harris in delivering addresses will be Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, New Mexico State Senator Cindy Nava, and Deja Foxx. While some might pin their hopes on these speeches to supply substance, others might hold lowered expectations following Harris’ own slated appearance.
It’s safe to say that after the electoral debacle, Harris has attempted to distance herself from the spotlight. Her return in this speaking engagement, therefore, brings her back to the stage under contentious circumstances. Any impact or impression she hopes to impose may be stunted by her recent political shortcomings.
With this public appearance, it seems that Harris is attempting to make a political statement, although her status as a defeated candidate already speaks volumes. Her affiliation with Emerge adds further controversy considering the divisive nature of the organization’s goals and methods.
It remains to be seen how her address will be received by attendees at Emerge’s 20th anniversary gala. Whether her words can inspire confidence is anything but certain, given her track record. Similarly, Emerge’s reputation and influence are also on the line.
Critics may be quick to compare Harris’ currently low profile to her previous high-stakes venture into politics, but none could undermine her electoral loss. This upcoming public appearance is a reminder of both her loss and the questionable principles she, and the Emerge organization as a whole, appear to endorse.
Ultimately, this gala might signal a new chapter for Harris, or it may simply expose the stark reality of her politico reputation. Leveraging her disheartening electoral journey as a stepping stone towards future, albeit uncertain, endeavours might be her only option. The effectiveness of this strategy, as with all things Harris-related, is bound to induce skepticism.