Former Vice President Kamala Harris, after her unsuccessful campaign for the presidency, is considering a significant new direction for her career.
Harris, after being defeated by President Trump, is potentially venturing into academic and policy-making realms. She is in talks about founding an institution dedicated to policy and ideas, provisionally named the 'Institute for Policy and Ideas.'
The New York Post reported that Harris has engaged with several renowned universities about hosting her proposed think tank. Among the institutions contacted are Stanford University and Howard University, initiating discussions on how these educational settings might support her initiative.
This move reflects Harris’s attempt to redefine her professional path while addressing her future financial needs. With limited post-office benefits unlike former presidents, Harris’s exploration into academic partnerships also aims at securing new income sources.
The 60-year-old former vice president humorously mentions to friends her first state of unemployment, a situational jest that acknowledges her current transitional phase.
Fundraising for the think tank poses potential political complications for Harris. There's a concern that this activity might impact her if she decides to seek public office again, particularly in high-profile roles such as the Governor of California in 2026 or another presidential run in 2028.
According to Harris, the decision paths to pursue the governorship or aim for the presidency are mutually exclusive. This deliberation highlights the strategic choices Harris has to make regarding her future in politics.
The challenges of fundraising are particularly poignant, as they could potentially label her initiatives in specific political lights, thereby influencing her future political prospects.
Since her loss, Harris has maintained a low public profile, making selective appearances. One was a speech emphasizing the dangers of excessive executive power, reflecting her continued engagement in national issues even outside the political arena.
Another such appearance was a virtual talk to Democratic activists in Wisconsin via Zoom, showcasing her ongoing involvement with the party and its grassroots operations.
Meanwhile, her spouse, Doug Emhoff, has returned to his professional roots, resuming his legal career. He now works at Willkie Farr & Gallagher, where he earns $6 million a year, providing stability as Harris plans her next moves.
As Kamala Harris navigates this pivotal moment in her life, her potential pivot towards creating a think tank represents both a continuation and a diversion in her professional journey.
This innovative endeavor could serve as a platform for Harris to influence public policy without the direct pressures of electoral politics.
It may also help shape the discourse around key national and international issues, leveraging her experience and visibility.
As discussions with potential host universities like Stanford and Howard progress, the political landscape watches closely to see how this strategic decision unfolds and positions Harris in the civic sphere of influence.