Lawrence Jackson, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Why we think Kamala Harris is a Type 3
Achievement-orientation and relentless drive for success. In her memoir, Harris writes about how she is extremely driven and was always doing what it took to succeed in her field. Specifically, in her career as a prosecutor in the Alameda County District Attorney's office, she would visit crime scenes, even those that occurred in the middle of the night, to make sure that she was closest to the evidence and had the best chance of putting together a successful prosecution strategy. In one instance, she recalled rushing to a hospital at 3 a.m. after a law enforcement officer was shot. She wanted to be on the scene while people were being interviewed and rigorous in her evidence collection. She describes this dedication as an essential aspect of her work that gave her an upperhand. As a result of her drive, she has achieved numerous "firsts" in her career, including being the first woman, first Black woman, and first Asian American woman to serve as Vice President of the United States. Before that, she was the first woman of color to serve as California's Attorney General.
The effect of her intense work ethic on her personal life. In her memoir, she mentions how her work often intruded on her personal life, resulting in a late marriage at the age of 49.
Focusing on and speaking about achieving your dreams. Harris, in her speeches and writings, consistently emphasizes the need to believe in yourself and how achieving anything is possible. She likes to be seen as having an inspiring effect on others. She once said, “Even in dark times, we not only dream, we do. We not only see what has been, we see what can be. We shoot for the moon, and then we plant our flag on it. We are bold, fearless and ambitious. We are undaunted in our belief that we shall overcome; that we will rise up.”
Political flexibility and opportunism. Early in her career, Harris established a "tough on crime" persona. As District Attorney of San Francisco, she implemented policies to prosecute gang members and improve conviction rates. She was also seen as tough on non-violent crimes. For instance, she supported anti-truancy laws that threatened parents of truant children with prosecution. However, during her Senate career and run for president, she began advocating for more progressive criminal justice reforms, which were views that matched the prevailing sentiment of the Democratic Party and would position her better for national elections. She co-sponsored the Marijuana Justice Act, which aimed at legalizing marijuana nationally and expunging past marijuana convictions. This was a significant departure from her earlier stance, when, as California's Attorney General, she had laughed off a question on marijuana legalization.
Image management. Harris's desire to be seen as a powerful and competent woman is apparent in her speeches, public appearances, and even her wardrobe choices. Her wearing pearls and Converse sneakers is an intentional choice to cultivate an image that is both sophisticated and approachable. Another example of molding herself strategically, is apparent from some of the Senate committee hearings. Her demeanor and tone was very intense as she asked extremely direct questions (for example, Brett Kavanaugh confirmation hearing in 2018 and William Barr’s confirmation hearings in 2019), which contrasted with her very relaxed and approachable demeanor at campaign events and town halls.
Fear of failure. Harris's book, The Truths We Hold: An American Journey, narrates the story of her mother emphasizing the importance of striving for success, and it's evident this mindset was taken on by Harris as a result of her own personality. In the memoir, she indicates that she internalized this fear of failure, which gave her more motivation to succeed.
Kamala Harris quotes that show she is a Type 3
"Nothing that has meaning is easy. 'Easy' doesn't enter into grown-up life."
"I eat 'no' for breakfast. So, I'm used to rejection and I'm not deterred."
“Here's the thing: every office I've run for I was the first to win. First person of color. First woman. First woman of color. Every time.”
“I always start my campaigns early, and I run hard. Maybe it comes from the rough-and-tumble world of San Francisco politics, where it's not even a contact sport – it's a blood sport. This is how I am as a candidate. This is how I run campaigns.”
"Don't let anyone write your story. You write your own story" (which also speaks to her 4 Wing).
"Dream with ambition, lead with conviction, and see yourself in a way that others might not see you, simply because they've never seen it before."
"I often mentor young people, and I tell them that they have to be a person that wants to see and be seen."
"One of the keys to leadership is recognizing that everyone has gifts and talents. A good leader will learn how to harness those gifts toward the same goal."
“I was raised that, when you see a problem, you don't complain about it, you go and do something about it."
"There will be people who say to you, 'You are out of your lane.' They are burdened by only having the capacity to see what has always been instead of what can be. But don't you let that burden you."