Hello and welcome to our Politics newsletter. I'm Shelby Grad, deputy news editor for the Los Angeles Times. We're 100 days away from Election Day.

Kamala Harris' warning

The Rise of Kamala Harris in California Politics She rose through the ranks with distinction from San Francisco District Attorney to California Attorney General to U.S. Senator. Groundbreaking politician It seems to have endless possibilities.

But in 2016, a warning was issued.

The Los Angeles Times editorial board praised Senator Harris' candidacy, calling her thoughtful, pragmatic, a trailblazer and “a compelling advocate for California.” However, the editorial board also criticized Harris, saying: There was a troubling description written there.

Harris has sometimes appeared more focused on her political career than on her elected office, and as such has tended to be too cautious in taking positions on some controversial issues, even when her opinions would add value to the debate.

Editorial Board and Other Citers Some examples of what she didn't take stand upon Big problem, Including California's rapid growth Criminal justice reform. And Harris continues to be dogged by criticism that she is risk-averse.

As Ms. Harris struggled to emerge as vice president in 2021, Times columnist Mark Z. Barabac wrote, “Caution has been a hallmark of Ms. Harris’s political career, and she has often struggled to navigate the subordinate nature of the vice presidency. [Joe] This is especially true among Biden supporters, who are sensitive to even the slightest hint of personal ambition.”

Well, Harris Hogging the stage He is considered a leading Democratic presidential candidate.

How will she use it?

Is that criticism fair?

I asked Dan Morain that question. author Excellent biographies in 2021 “Kamala's Way”

Moraine, Veteran California political journalist I've covered Harris for many years. Record her cautious nature In his book, he specifically talks about her actions while she was attorney general, but says that's not the whole story.

Harris noted that she was an early supporter of Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election, at a time when many other California celebrities were backing Hillary Clinton.

“She picked a young guy who'd only been in the senate for two years, who had a great ear and was a great speaker,” Morain said. “That was pretty courageous.”

While prudence is one of Harris's traits, her discipline is probably her greatest trait, he said.

Morain said she is very on-message and has a scripted delivery, and while she may never have the charisma of Bill Clinton, she is a master in small groups and one-on-one situations.

“A reporter can ask a question 10 different ways,” he said, “and she'll say 10 different ways.”

Harris has had some political setbacks in recent years. Although her presidential campaign was unsuccessful, she had a remarkable run as vice president. A strong advocate of abortion rights And some downturns (border solutions and Voting rightsand her struggle to gain a consistent voice in the office.

Before Biden dropped out of the race last weekend, her poll numbers were poor, to say the least.

“Those who underestimate Kamala Harris will end up losing.”

But she has been receiving high praise in recent days. Her energy and stamina contrast with Biden's. She's raised record donations and many say she's made a much stronger case against a second term for Donald Trump than Biden did in that infamous June debate.

But will that be enough? Despite her strong debut this season, Some experts Continue to worry Her chances of winning and How effective are campaigners? She will be.

Morain warned: “It's dangerous to underestimate Harris.”

“She's a very good politician, a very good campaigner. Anyone who underestimates Kamala Harris is going to lose,” he said. “Donald Trump called her 'stupid as a stone.' You can say a lot of things about Kamala Harris, but she's not stupid.”

What else to read

Must read: 'Legal intelligence' or 'stupid as a rock': The ugly race to revive Harris is underway

Internet Specials: Coconuts, “Brat Summer,” and that laugh: Kamala Harris memes

LA Times Feature: Inside the twists and turns of Kamala Harris' political death scare, and her comeback that's giving hope to the Democratic Party

Crime Special: Harris's RA career as a prosecutor was once considered a liability. Is it a strength now? (The Wall Street Journal)

Harris Mapping: Road trip to Kamala Through the Bay Area (San Francisco Chronicle).

Until next week,
Shelby Grad
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