How to connect with voters? That’s the question that all political candidates face, but one that is particularly urgent for Kamala Harris, the Johnny-come-lately to the Democratic ticket after Joe Biden was finally pressured to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. Very little is known about her. Typical of Vice Presidents, she has been kept in the shadow of the President; the limelight is his.
The perennial challenge is not just reaching out to voters, but to make a genuine connection with them. Famously, Barack Obama published his playlist to show the “human” side of himself to the public. And then, on his trip to the UK in 2009, his official gift to Queen Elizabeth II was an iPod with a curated playlist of her favorite tunes.
It may sound goofy, but for public figures who want to endear themselves to their distant public, nothing brings them closer than a goofy, relatable moment. But how do candidates achieve this feat? It starts with understanding the diverse tapestry of the American electorate. Candidates must navigate through a myriad of social, economic, and cultural nuances to strike a chord with potential supporters. From town hall meetings to social media campaigns, the avenues are many, but the goal is one: to demonstrate that they are in tune with the voters’ needs and aspirations–but also their tastes.
Now is Kamala Harris’ time to burst onto the scene, and she wants us to know all about her personal favorites—to prove that is she is just like us.
Kamala Harris is a foodie and she loves to talk about her favorite dishes and how to prepare them. If you’re a Doritos fan, you’ll be happy to hear that she loves them too—the nacho cheese is her favorite flavor.
As a seasoned world traveler with Indian and Jamaican roots, Harris has developed a palate for diverse and eclectic cuisines, with gumbo topping her list of favorites. This rich, hearty stew, known for its robust Cajun and Creole flavors, is a reflection of America’s melting pot culture, much like Harris’s own heritage.
The vice president’s love for gumbo is not just about the taste; it’s about the soulful, comforting experience that brings people together—vibes that she hopes to share with you. It’s a dish that celebrates culture, adventure, and exploration, something that Harris grew up cherishing in her multicultural household. She is even modest enough to confess that she has still not “mastered it fully”.
Gumbo is not the only dish she enjoys making, she is known to whip up a mean mushroom lasagna, a savory Bolognese sauce, and perfectly cooked pork chops. YouTube is rife with videos of Kamala cooking alone or with others—not just for the 2024 election, but in the 2020 campaign. Kamala making cookies with a young supporter in Iowa, Kamala making dosa with Indian actress Mindy Kaling; Kamala making rasta-pasta with Canadian chef and restaurateur, Ayesha Curry.
Cooking, for Harris, is more than just preparing meals; it’s a way to connect with her heritage, to unwind and to share moments with loved ones—as it is for most of us. But for her it’s also a way to tap into the support of voters. Whether it’s rendering the fat from bacon for collard greens or getting excited over a slice of chocolate caramel cake, Harris’s approach to food is genuine and relatable. It shows a side of her that goes beyond politics, one that any food lover can appreciate and connect with.
As the 2024 presidential campaign heats up, every vote counts. From nacho cheese Doritos to sharing that she washes a load of collard greens in the bathtub, these small, amusing details help paint a picture of a full person beyond just policy proposals. It’s a strategic move that humanizes her and allows voters to see her in a different light.
