In this episode of 100 Days of Kamala, host Priya David Clemens speaks with veteran journalist Karen Breslow, who has covered Vice President Kamala Harris for over two decades. Karen shares her unique insights into Harris's political journey, from her early days as San Francisco District Attorney to her role as Vice President. Reflecting on Harris’s tenacity, Karen describes her as “sharp intellectually, sharp in focus, and sharp in ambition. You cross her once, and you're gone.”

They discuss Harris's evolution as a political figure and her rise through the male-dominated political scene in San Francisco. Karen recalls a defining moment: “She was a force from the very beginning...leading what would be a coup against her then-boss, Terrence Hallinan, and winning his job in an election.” The conversation also touches on Harris's relationships with figures like Gavin Newsom, where Karen notes, “They were basically political siblings… as they matured, they got off each other's track. They aren’t best friends, but they’ve come to appreciate something in the other.”

Karen also reflects on Harris's personal warmth and determination, sharing stories of her empathy and commitment to justice: “Kamala would sit on the floor with these vulnerable young women, talking to them about what was possible. It wasn’t about what they’d done, but about what had happened to them.”

Join us for a rich conversation that uncovers the multifaceted leader who is Kamala Harris. As Karen says, "This Kamala Harris we see today is not an overnight sensation—she’s been decades in the making."

Tune in now for a deeper look at one of the most talked-about figures in American politics.

**Episode Title: "David Chiu on Kamala Harris: The Joyful Warrior and Justice Advocate"**

In this episode of *100 Days of Kamala*, Priya David Clemens sits down with San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu, who has known Vice President Kamala Harris for over 25 years. Chiu reflects on their early days working together in the San Francisco District Attorney's office and offers a firsthand account of Kamala's rise from a "force of nature" in the courtroom to a leading figure on the national stage.

Chiu shares his first memory of Kamala, watching her command the courtroom as a new prosecutor: "She was brilliant. She was tough. She was a scrappy fighter, but she exuded compassion and warmth for victims." He highlights her unique combination of empathy and strength, qualities that continue to define her leadership today.

Chiu also delves into Kamala's pioneering approach to criminal justice reform, including her innovative Back on Track program, which sought to reduce recidivism and uplift marginalized communities. “She was always ahead of her time,” Chiu notes, explaining how Kamala prioritized real results and solutions over slogans, focusing on being "smart on crime."

Throughout the episode, Chiu shares personal stories of Kamala’s humanity and her unwavering commitment to justice, as well as how her immigrant upbringing shaped her determination to serve others. He recalls organizing the first *Asians for Kamala* group in 2003 and witnessing her ability to connect deeply with diverse communities.

Chiu also addresses the challenges Kamala has faced throughout her career, including misconceptions about her tenure as a prosecutor and the attacks she has weathered. Yet, he is confident in her ability to rise above: “She’s always turned attacks into opportunities, and she’s exactly the right person to prosecute the biggest case of her life against Donald Trump.”

From Kamala’s nuanced approach to justice to her joyful spirit and dedication to children, this episode provides a heartfelt look at the Vice President’s journey through the eyes of a longtime friend and colleague.

In this episode of 100 Days of Kamala, Priya David Clemens sits down with Matthew Rothschild, a key figure in Vice President Kamala Harris’s early political career and a personal friend who has known her since the mid-1990s. With more than 30 years of experience in San Francisco politics, Rothschild served as an advisor to Kamala during her campaigns for San Francisco District Attorney and California Attorney General. His unique perspective offers listeners a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Kamala’s rise to prominence, showcasing both her experience as a leader and the personal traits that set her apart.

Rothschild shares candid stories about Kamala’s deep-rooted family influence, particularly the pivotal role her late mother, Shyamala Gopalan, played in shaping her values and ambitions. "Her mother was one of the most extraordinary women I’ve ever met in my life," Rothschild recalls. He describes how Shyamala’s brilliance, resilience, and humor were cornerstones of Kamala’s upbringing and deeply informed her approach to life and leadership. Shyamala’s pride in her South Asian heritage and her groundbreaking work as a cancer researcher were instrumental in shaping Kamala’s drive and sense of justice.

The episode also delves into Kamala’s early political challenges, including her 2003 campaign for San Francisco District Attorney, where she faced tough odds and a well-established incumbent. Rothschild reflects on those early days, describing how Kamala’s intelligence, work ethic, and charisma drew people to her campaign, even when she was polling at only 6%. He also touches on the hurdles Kamala faced as a woman in politics, noting how "they tried to criticize her for her personal life, which I think is quite misogynist. They don’t ask men who they dated 10 or 15 years ago."

One of the episode’s highlights is Rothschild’s recounting of Kamala’s relationship with California Governor Gavin Newsom. Despite being allies in many ways, Rothschild acknowledges that "there’s always been a little rivalry. Of course there has been. They were both from a new generation moving up and had similar backing with financial and political supporters." He recalls the awkwardness when Newsom’s wife worked for Kamala’s opponent during her DA campaign and how Rothschild once playfully confronted Newsom about whether he’d vote for Kamala. Rothschild also praises Newsom’s decision to support Kamala’s presidential bid in 2024, stating, "He did the right thing for so many reasons. Running against her would’ve left a lot of battle scars."

Listeners are also treated to personal anecdotes that show a side of Kamala that’s rarely seen in public. Rothschild fondly recalls Kamala’s sense of humor and her ability to connect on a personal level. "Kamala’s not a prude," he emphasizes. "She’s fun, has a great laugh, and she knows how to dish." These moments reveal a leader who, despite her serious public image, enjoys lighthearted moments and values close relationships with her friends.

From her deep family roots to the political rivalries and friendships that shaped her career, this episode provides an intimate portrait of Kamala Harris as a person and a politician. Tune in for a rich discussion that sheds light on the human side of one of America’s most prominent leaders and explores the journey that has taken her from San Francisco politics to the national stage.