Kamala Harris certainly deserves a generous glass of wine. Since November 5, one can only hope she’s been relaxing at the Naval Observatory, cherishing moments with her spouse and family, and easing into the final weeks of her vice presidential responsibilities.
When his term concludes, President Joe Biden plans to retreat to Delaware. However, Harris radiates vitality and appears significantly younger than her 60 years. She has undergone remarkable transformation since her initial presidential campaign in 2020, showcasing sharp political instincts and the capacity to adapt as needed. Despite her defeat and the expected wave of post-election analysis unfolding now, she seems to embody a woman in her political zenith. So, what should her next steps entail?
It’s easy to think that a political candidate who doesn’t win (especially in a presidential race) should be sidelined. Yet, Harris was not merely opposing Donald Trump but also battling against global anti-establishment currents. In fact, incumbents suffered losses in approximately 70 countries in 2024. With inflation, post-pandemic chaos, and a surge in global migration on the horizon, voters are exasperated with their political leaders. Regardless of her capabilities, Harris seems to have faced the repercussions of circumstances beyond her control.
Generally, the Harris campaign is considered robust. Following Biden’s exit from the race, she brought together a star-studded team and campaigned tirelessly in the months leading up to Election Day. Her enthusiasm was nothing short of remarkable. Indeed, her campaign expenditures were substantial, and there were some blunders—she certainly should have appeared on Joe Rogan’s podcast. However, she undoubtedly gleaned valuable insights throughout this journey and continues to have much to offer the nation.
This doesn’t imply we should expect Harris to vie for the presidency in 2028. The Democratic Party boasts an abundance of youthful, emerging talent, and as it reassesses following this setback, it should prioritize fresh ideas and new faces: Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Representatives Ayanna Pressley and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, among a host of others. Nevertheless, Harris would excel as governor of California, for example—while she may not be the first woman to guide the nation, she could indeed be the first to govern her native state. She would also shine as a law professor, proving to be a considerable attraction for any academic institution that could secure her services.
Harris is a dedicated public servant, and despite her defeat, she remains a highly sought-after figure. Doubtless, she’s receiving a plethora of proposals from the private sector, and one can comprehend the lure of stepping away from politics to capitalize on those opportunities. However, I genuinely hope she opts to remain in the political arena.
This leads us to ponder: What does Harris truly desire? What fuels her passion?
In this phase of her life, she somewhat resembles the privileged youth who, despite not needing to work for financial reasons, chooses to stay active anyway. This scenario can be disheartening: If the wealthy individual chooses banking, they are merely accumulating more wealth without purpose. How dreadfully tedious. But if they embark on a more intriguing path—perhaps starting an art gallery, launching a charity, penning a novel—they may not have earned their status among their peers.
I hold in high regard those who create or serve others. While they may not have hustled as many of us have, choosing to make or give something meaningful despite their circumstances is admirable, and it likely benefits both them and the world at large.
It’s important to note that Harris has indeed put in the effort. Her current achievements are not simply handed to her. Yet, she now finds herself at a crossroads filled with almost endless choices (with the White House being the primary exception she seemingly sought).
I hope she surpasses everyone’s anticipations.
Very few individuals are presented with such expansive opportunities, and most who are do not adequately utilize them. I hope Harris is reflecting on what she can contribute, but also on the lessons she can acquire—what new and demanding experiences she can pursue. I hope she embraces ventures that excite and intimidate her. I hope she demonstrates to all of us that life doesn’t follow a singular trajectory and that sometimes substantial setbacks create the necessary space to construct something genuinely unique.
Consider this: If you were suddenly one of the country’s most recognized figures, in high demand and surrounded by numerous people eager to say yes to your requests, would your choice be to work at BlackRock?
Perhaps she envisions leading an advocacy organization, realizing her (and her mother’s) motto—“You may be the first, but ensure you’re not the last”—by empowering future female leaders. Or maybe she dreams of hosting her own cooking show. I would certainly tune in! Maybe she wishes to knit blankets for cat rescue organizations, conserve endangered coconut trees, or collaborate with Converse on a collection of pantsuit-appropriate Chuck Taylors.
As the first female vice president, and the second woman to narrowly miss out on the presidency, Harris undoubtedly carries a weight of expectation from the past. However, she can choose to set that burden aside and recognize that she is in an incredibly fortunate position to shape her future, deciding what is possible—and who she can become in her life beyond the election.
Perhaps she can apply – or reapply – for McDonald’s…?
