Democratic candidate Joe Biden announced Kamala Harris as his vice-presidential running mate on Tuesday, putting an end to long time speculations although she was always presumed the front runner as soon as Biden announced that his running mate will be a woman.

Harris has been one of the Democratic Senators leading the party’s charge against President Donald Trump. Following her nomination, the party’s concern will now be how she helps Biden win the election. 

Harris’ diverse background

Harris was born to two immigrant parents – an Indian-born mother and Jamaican-born father. The former California attorney general is the first person of Indian descent in the running mate role, and personifies the diversity seen as key to building enthusiasm for the Democratic ticket, particularly in a year marked by a historic reckoning on race.

She is the third female vice presidential nominee for a major party, after the groundbreaking but unsuccessful runs of Democrat Geraldine Ferraro in 1984 and Republican Sarah Palin in 2008.

The 55-year-old, who is two decades Biden’s junior, is expected to appeal to women and younger voters, especially those in the suburbs who are looking for an alternative to Donald Trump.

Harris’ aggresive approach

Not only does Harris bring policy chops and governing experience to the table, she is also has an aggresive approach. She proved her mettle when she went toe-to-toe with Biden during the first Democratic primary debate in July 2019.

After Biden’s announcement, President Trump attacked Harris calling her performance in the Democratic nomination race ‘lacklustre’.

“She did very poorly in the primaries” Trump told reporters at the White House. “And that’s like a poll.”

He went on to attack Harris for her role in the bruising confirmation hearings of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, calling her “the meanest, the most horrible, the most disrespectful of anybody in the US Senate.”

But Harris, who beat out nearly a dozen other women to become the running mate, has shown she can parry such blows, a cherished quality for anyone facing an onslaught of negativity from a caustic president.

Biden’s pick of Harris drew ringing endorsements from other quarters — including from Barack Obama, America’s first black commander in chief.

“She is more than prepared for the job,” tweeted Trump’s predecessor. “This is a good day for our country. Now let’s go win this thing.”

Along with all these, Harris also brings a few concerns for the party with her. Coming from a law-enforcement background, she has a history of taking the police’s side even in cases where the suspects may have been charged wrongfully. Although she has advocated law enforcement reforms following the custodial death of African American George Floyd, there will still be doubts over her opinions. 

While she was known for her moderate approach during her time as a senator, her presidential campaign saw Harris advocate free college education and universal healthcare, a tact to the left. These shifts could pose some questions on the voters regarding her values.