LOS ANGELES (News Nation) — Senator Kamala Harris is technically a Los Angeles resident.
She and her husband have a home there, although she’s been a prominent political figure in all of California for decades.
While there’s pride in the pick in her home state of California, support for Harris as a history-making vice president is not a given.
Despite the possibility of Kamala Harris shattering a ceiling should she become vice president, this California voter says it’s the top of the ticket that has her concerned.
“They wanna get somebody strong to help him because he seems to be struggling, struggling a little bit right now,” said a California voter who did not want to be identified.
But others are all in.
“It’s an example of diversity. Experienced in this nation. I think the ticket is representative of who we are as America as a whole,” said Californian Fernando Almendarid.
“Really strong, really smart. Look forward to her taking Mike Pence apart in the debate,” said California voter Rick Kurshner.
Meantime, attention has also shifted to California Governor Gavin Newsom and his possible task of filling Harris’ senate seat.
On Wednesday, Newsom refused to name names but sounded confident about needing to find a replacement.
”Looking forward to turning the page as a nation and working very closely with my old friend of over a quarter of a century, the next Vice President of the United States Kamala Harris,” said Newsom.
Carol Porter knows Harris like few others. The childhood friend and schoolmate from the Berkeley area recalls a good listener, destined to achieve and inspire.
“To me, [it] tells all of us especially black and brown young girls, you can do whatever you want to do,” said Porter.
Voter Leo Vusich acknowledges that. But he is not a fan of Harris and her controversial record when she served as California’s Attorney General. He says he believes her stance on criminal justice reform shifted with opinion.
“Because of her background, what she’s said and done. Inconsistency, I find troubling. Very troubling,” said Vusich.
Should the Democrats take back the White House, Governor Newsom would have until January of 2021 to pick a Senate replacement.
Among the names most often floated is California congresswoman Karen Bass, who was also a possible Biden running mate.