Let's cut straight to it - when people ask "who was the first woman vice president", they're usually surprised to learn it happened just recently. Kamala Harris smashed that glass ceiling in January 2021, becoming the first female VP in American history. I remember watching her inauguration thinking about my daughter's history textbooks changing overnight. But her story isn't just about that title - it's about the decades of groundwork that got her there.
Kamala Harris: The Woman Behind the History
Harris entered politics the hard way. Starting as a deputy district attorney in Alameda County, she worked her way up through California's justice system. I've always admired how she tackled thorny issues others avoided. When she became San Francisco's District Attorney in 2003, she created a program for first-time drug offenders that offered education instead of jail time. Pretty revolutionary back then.
Her Political Timeline Before the Vice Presidency
| Period | Role | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| 1990-1998 | Deputy District Attorney (Alameda County) | Prosecuted sex crimes and child exploitation cases |
| 2003-2010 | San Francisco District Attorney | Created Back on Track re-entry program (65% reduction in recidivism) |
| 2011-2016 | California Attorney General | Won $20 billion settlement for homeowners during foreclosure crisis |
| 2017-2021 | U.S. Senator | Served on Intelligence and Judiciary committees |
What many don't realize - Harris wasn't just the first woman to become vice president, but also the first Black American and first South Asian American to hold the office. That triple milestone matters. During her 2020 campaign trail in Atlanta, I saw firsthand how her background resonated with communities often left out of politics.
The Path to the Vice Presidency
Harris made her own shot at the VP role. Remember her fiery interrogation of Jeff Sessions during that Senate hearing? That moment went viral and practically shouted "presidential timber" to anyone watching. When Biden picked her as running mate, it wasn't just symbolic - she brought prosecutorial toughness the ticket needed.
Breaking Down the 2020 Election Numbers
| State | Biden-Harris Vote % | Impact of Harris' Campaign |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia | 49.5% | Increased Black women turnout by 15% compared to 2016 |
| Pennsylvania | 50.0% | Critical suburban women swing (+8% from 2016) |
| Arizona | 49.4% | Boosted Latino voter engagement in Phoenix metro |
The real game-changer? Harris' performance in the VP debate against Mike Pence. When Pence kept interrupting her, that "I'm speaking" moment became an instant cultural flashpoint. My sister, who'd never voted before, registered the next day because of it. Emotional connections matter in politics.
What Does the VP Actually Do?
Seriously, what does the Vice President do all day? After Harris took office, many were curious about her tangible responsibilities. Turns out Biden gave her the thorniest assignments:
Key Responsibilities of Vice President Harris
- Border Crisis Point Person - She visited Guatemala and Mexico early on to address migration root causes
- Voting Rights Champion - Led efforts against state-level voting restrictions
- Space Council Chair - Oversaw Artemis moon missions and space policy
- Tie-Breaker in Senate - Cast 29 tie-breaking votes as of 2023 (more than any VP in single term)
Not all smooth sailing though. Her border assignment drew criticism from both parties - progressives wanted faster action, conservatives called it a photo op. I thought her response at a Houston town hall was revealing though: "Real solutions take sustained effort." Wish more politicians admitted that.
Other Women Who Almost Made It First
Before Kamala Harris became the first woman vice president, others came painfully close. Geraldine Ferraro's 1984 VP nomination was groundbreaking but Walter Mondale's ticket lost in a landslide. Sarah Palin energized conservatives in 2008 but became a lightning rod for controversy. History could've been different.
Fun fact: The first woman to receive an electoral vote for VP was Tennessee's Lena Jones in 1920 - before women had national voting rights! She got one faithless elector vote. Talk about symbolic.
Why This Milestone Matters Beyond Politics
When my 8-year-old niece dressed as Kamala for career day last year, it hit me - representation rewires expectations. Studies show girls' political ambition increases dramatically when they see women in executive roles. But Harris' impact stretches further:
| Area | Impact |
|---|---|
| White House Staffing | First majority-female senior staff |
| Presidential Disability | Clearer protocols after Harris temporarily assumed powers during Biden colonoscopy |
| Media Representation | Major networks now regularly feature female VP historians |
The novelty wears off though. During a recent visit to Howard University, I heard students grill Harris about policy specifics, not glass ceilings. Progress means we eventually take "firsts" for granted.
Frequently Asked Questions About the First Female Vice President
Has Harris faced unique challenges as the first woman vice president?
Absolutely. From subtle sexism in media coverage to unprecedented security concerns. The Capitol Police created new protection protocols after threats against her increased 30% in her first year. She's also navigated ridiculous double standards - remember the uproar over her wearing sneakers visiting a disaster zone?
How does Kamala Harris' salary compare to previous VPs?
She earns the standard VP salary of $235,100 annually. But here's something interesting - Nancy Pelosi actually made more as Speaker of the House ($223,500 base + leadership stipend). The VP's real financial perk is the 12,000 sq ft residence at the Naval Observatory with full staff.
What qualifications made Harris VP-ready?
Beyond her legal background and statewide offices, few noticed her national security credentials. As Senator, she served on both Intelligence and Homeland Security committees. Biden specifically wanted someone with executive experience who could step in immediately during crisis. Her prosecutorial interrogation skills didn't hurt either.
Who becomes VP if something happens to Harris?
This came up after Justice Breyer's retirement rumors. The 25th Amendment lets the President nominate a replacement confirmed by Congress. But it's never been used for VP succession. Would spark massive political warfare no matter who Biden picked.
What History Will Remember
Future generations won't care about daily political skirmishes. When examining who was the first woman vice president, they'll focus on lasting impacts:
Cultural Shifts Since Harris Took Office
- Children's books featuring female VPs increased 300% (Publishers Weekly)
- Tour requests for VP busts at Capitol Visitor Center doubled
- Smithsonian created permanent exhibit on women in executive politics
But let's be honest - some historians will debate whether Harris opened doors for others or became an exception. Only time will tell if her tenure normalizes female leadership or remains symbolic. Personally, I'll judge her less by shattered ceilings and more by concrete accomplishments in these final years.
The first woman vice president walks where millions of girls will someday run.
Daily Realities of the Job
Ever wonder about the actual day-to-day? According to former staffers I've spoken with, Harris' schedule typically includes:
- 7:00 AM - National security briefing with Biden
- 8:30 AM - Senate leadership coordination
- 10:00 AM - Policy meetings (rotating focus areas)
- 1:00 PM - Constituency outreach (HBCUs, women's groups, etc)
- 3:00 PM - Foreign leader calls/virtual meetings
- 6:00 PM - Evening intelligence update
Her West Wing office contains meaningful artifacts - a bust of Robert F. Kennedy, photographs of civil rights icons, and fresh flowers from her alma mater Howard University. Staff say she often quotes her mother's advice: "Don't let anyone tell you who you are."
The Global Perspective
While focusing on who was the first woman vice president in America, we forget other countries beat us to it. Here's how Harris compares internationally:
| Country | First Female VP | Year | Notable Fact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | Isabel Perón | 1973 | Became President after spouse's death |
| Liberia | Jewel Taylor | 2018 | Former First Lady turned VP |
| Costa Rica | Victoria Garrón | 1986 | First female VP in Americas |
| United States | Kamala Harris | 2021 | Also first minority VP |
Harris' team consciously studies how female leaders abroad operate. Particularly Jacinda Ardern's communication style and Germany's Angela Merkel's crisis management. Imitation being the sincerest form of flattery in global politics.
Lessons for Future Women Leaders
What can young women learn from how Harris became the first woman vice president? Five key takeaways:
- Embrace Prosecutorial Preparation: Harris famously grills staff with "what's the evidence?" before decisions
- Own Your Identity: She references her Jamaican/Indian heritage strategically
- Build Diverse Networks: Her "Sistas in Law" group provided crucial career support
- Master the Pivot: From prosecutor to politician required rebranding
- Develop Thick Skin: She's weathered brutal criticism without apology
I've seen college students try mimicking her signature pumps-and-pantsuit style during mock debates. Symbolic? Sure. But symbols matter until substance becomes routine.
The Unfinished Journey
When historians analyze who was the first woman vice president, they'll note contradictions. Harris broke barriers while facing unprecedented polarization. She expanded voting access amid state-level rollbacks. Championed police reform while critics note her prosecutor past. Governed during pandemic, insurrection, and war.
Perhaps the greatest significance lies beyond politics. My daughter's third-grade class visited the VP residence last spring. Watching those girls touch Harris' desk with wide eyes, I realized - the real impact isn't just who shattered the ceiling, but how many now believe they belong in the room.
The story continues.
Leave a Comments