“Madam Vice
President,” Joe Biden said as he introduced Kamala Harris during his first
address to a joint session of the United States Congress on Wednesday. “No president has
ever said those words from this podium. No President! And it’s about time.” Biden’s
words acknowledged his running mate’s contributions in the success his administration
has achieved as he approached the arbitrary but significant 100-day milestone in his
presidency.

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Biden’s
taking over of the White House from Donald Trump was seen as a new dawn by many,
representing a seismic change in Washington from the latter’s loud, impulsive
and at times unabashed style of governance.

Biden
promised swift and decisive action to tackle some of America’s most pressing
issues – such as the COVID-19 pandemic, economy, healthcare, race, immigration
among others – as well as restoring the US’ foreign relations and engaging
global issues such as climate change.

And the
78-year-old has come a long way towards realising many of those targets,
signing off on a $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill and more executive orders in
the same time frame than his three predecessors.

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The results
of these actions have been apparent, over 200 million vaccine shots have been
administered, double Biden’s initial target for the first 100 days, the economy
recovering, joblessness hitting pandemic lows and life returning to a semblance
of normalcy with the kids being allowed to attend schools in person.

Americans are
upbeat about their new President, with 53% of them approving his job performance
so far, particularly his response to the pandemic and economy, with much of
that success coming down to his second-in-command.

Being a
woman, let alone a woman of colour and that too with South Asian origins, in
her position is a historic feat never achieved before, allowing her to connect with
the people in a way no one ever has. The former California Senator has struck
the right notes in addressing racism, conveying heartfelt messages after Derek
Chauvin’s conviction and the spa shootings in Atlanta.

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Her
approval is the same as Biden’s – 53% – with fewer people disapproving of her
performance so far – 37% – as her boss – 43%, according to the LA Times.   

She has
also taken on one of the administration’s most challenging tasks, immigration
from Mexico and Central America. She has chosen to focus on issues that were her
priorities over the course of her career, such as women and children-centric
policies, relief for small businesses, according to the Associate Press.

She has
been one of the most prominent advocates for Biden’s agenda, appearing in most
of his major announcements and forging a relationship that many aides say is
closer than most presidents share with their No. 2s.

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With the
pandemic limiting their travel, Harris spends more time with Biden that she
would have otherwise, leaving a greater imprint on decision-making. Aides say
she was behind Biden’s “strategy of selling it, both to the American people and
the Hill”.

While the
first 100 days have been pretty much along the lines of expectation, the administration
has a long way to go. Harris’ unique identity makes her susceptible to
expectations, with Black and Asian-American communities wanting more from the people
they helped get to the White House with their votes.

The pressure
on Biden and Harris to deliver is just starting, but one can look at the progress made in
their first 100 days and foresee a historic presidency.