VP Kamala Harris reassures her faith in President Biden at Essence Fest

July 6, 2024

By Makenna Mincey, Staff Writer

Vice President Kamala Harris graced the Economic Global Black Forum Stage Saturday, July 6 at the 30^th Essence Festival of Culture and Art. Essence CEO Caroline A. Wanga interviewed Harris as part of the ‘Chief-to-Chief’ series, where Wanga has genuine conversation with black women in positions of power from all walks of life.

Essence Fest did not shy away from the topic of the 2024 Presidential Election, empowering attendees to use their voice and vote this November. Project 2025, student loans, Roe V Wade, and the importance of voting were hot topics on the Economic Global Black Forum stage the entire day. Kamala Harris directly addressed several of these topics herself during her interview.

“This is probably the most significant election of our lifetime. You know we have said it every four years, but this one here? This is it. We are looking at an election that will take place in 122 days, where on one side you have the former president who is running to become president again, who has openly talked about his admiration for dictators and his intention to be a dictator on day one, who has openly talked about his intention to weaponize the Department of Justice against his political enemies, who has talked about being proud of taking from the women of America a most fundamental right to make decisions about your own body,” stated Vice President Harris. “Understand what we all know. In 122 days, we each have the power to decide what kind of country we want to live in,” she continued.

Polling shows that despite his recent felony convictions, Trump is beating out Biden in the polls. The current president’s numbers dropped after his performance in the first presidential debate on June 27^th, where he seemed to freeze. Many Americans have begun to see Kamala Harris as not only the current Vice President, but as a future president, should Biden be unable to fulfill his duties due to his age. Despite this, Harris spoke confidently about Joe Biden and his ability to lead.

“Look at what we’ve done. To know that when you voted in record numbers – people voted in record numbers in 2020- this is what was able to happen. And when everyone votes in those numbers again in 122 days, we can see it through,” Harris said.

‘Chief-to-Chief’ not only highlights the power that these women of color hold, but also who they are outside of that power. This conversation was no different as the Vice President responded to questions as simple as, ‘Who is Kamala Harris?’

“I am the Vice President of the United States. I am a wife. We have children. I’m a god mommy. I am an auntie. I am a best friend. I am a good cook, and I am a fighter for the people. I care about the people,” Harris stated.