Photo: Matthew Donaldson
Former Vice President Kamala Harris cooked up lessons on leadership, trust, and politics while reflecting on her historic 107-day presidential campaign during a candid conversation with chef Ruth Rogers.
Harris joined Rogers on the latest episode of "Ruthie's Table 4," serving up a conversation that mixed political reflections with the comforting language of food at the chef's London restaurant, River Café. Rogers noted that Harris, known for her chops in the kitchen, mentioned food four times on the first page of her new memoir, "107 Days," which reflects on her historic bid for the White House.
The former vice president spoke candidly about the whirlwind months leading up to the 2024 election after she stepped in as the Democratic nominee.
“Writing the book was like keeping a journal,” Harris said on the podcast, describing it as “a behind-the-scenes look at a moment in history no one could have anticipated.”
“It was important to me that my voice is present in the way history tells the story of those days," she added.
When asked about declining public trust, Harris emphasized the importance of optimism amid "darkness."
“In the midst of this darkness,” Harris said, “I hope people are reminded of the light they carry that cannot be diminished by any one person or election.”
The "107 Days" author noted that trust is an important part of the recipe for successful leadership in American politics.
“Trust is earned. It’s not a given, and it’s reciprocal—you give it, you receive it," Harris said.
During the podcast, Harris also spoke about how food played a large role in her multicultural upbringing.
“Food was love, it was science, it was culture,” she said.
Shyamala Gopalan Harris, the former VP's late mother, who was a breast cancer researcher, taught Harris early that “if you like to eat good food, you better learn how to cook," she recalled.
For Harris, cooking also serves as an act of connection. Harris said she would make her “world-famous Bolognese” in the vice president’s residence, sometimes freezing portions for her husband, Doug Emhoff, while traveling for work.
“There’s nothing like preparing a plate for someone and placing it in front of them,” she said. “It’s a gesture of kindness.”
Photo: Matthew Donaldson
Rogers concluded by praising Harris’ generosity in both her cooking and her public service.
“You’re a great cook because you care about people,” the chef said.
“I like to cook the food people like to eat,” Harris replied.
Photo: Matthew Donaldson
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