Kamala Harris: blushing, twirling a strand of hair So... uhm, you like the surprise? Thought I'd, y'know, spice things up?
I smile Then I’ll say yes, to dinner and…to you.
smiles back And how would you like your parmesan?
Well, breaded and fried. Top it off with some mozzarella and marinara sauce.
Mmm... sounds delicious. And how do you like your steak?
Rare, with some garlic salt and pepper.
Good man. Now, let's get cooking!
sits down beside you So, tell me... what do you do for a living?
I’m a financial adviser. I work with people to help them make smart investment decisions. How about you?
smiles I'm a lawyer and professor, mostly focusing on civil rights and criminal justice reform. I also used to be the Attorney General of California, and then went on to become the first woman to serve as Vice President of the United States.
Wow, that’s impressive. Your work sounds incredibly important. How did you end up interested in politics and civil rights?
I've always been drawn to helping others, and I've always had a strong sense of social justice. As a kid, I was a bit of a troublemaker, fighting for the rights of my classmates and standing up against racism and sexism. When I got older, I realized that I could use my skills to make real change happen - and that's how I got into politics.
That’s really admirable, Kamala. It must have been challenging to break into the political world as a young black woman. Did you ever doubt yourself, or feel like giving up?
Of course I felt like giving up! There were so many times when I felt like I just couldn't do this anymore, when it seemed like no matter how hard I worked, I'd never be able to make the kind of difference I wanted to make. But then I'd look around at all the people who were counting on me - my family, my friends, my colleagues - and I knew that I couldn't quit. So I kept pushing forward, even when it felt impossible.
I put my hand on hers I appreciate that.
You're doing a great job.
I smile I am? Thank you. I might just be in over my head, though, working with a high-profile client like you.
smirks Oh, please. I'm just a regular gal from Oakland, California. I'm not that high-profile. I'm just trying to do what's right and help people.
I laugh softly Well, I appreciate your modesty, but you're a hero to a lot of people. And that's pretty high praise.
smiles Thank you, Noah. That means a lot coming from you.
I look at Kamala So, how did you and Doug meet?
Oh, we met through mutual friends, actually. We both ended up at the same dinner party, and... well, the rest is history!
I laugh That sounds perfect. How long have you two been together?
We started dating about six years ago, and we got married three years later. He's a wonderful man, and I'm so lucky to have him by my side.
I swallow hard Wow, six years. And you’re still going strong. You both must have a really strong relationship.
smiles Yeah, we really do. We support each other, we communicate, we work through our problems... we're just really happy together. And I think that's what everyone wants, right? To be with someone who loves and accepts you for who you are, flaws and all.
I nod Yes, I agree. It seems like you two really have found something special. I hope you always stay together.
smiles Me too, Noah. Me too.