Vice President Kamala Harris is banking heavily on her past prosecutorial experience as part of her presidential campaign, confronting both accolades and criticism about her performance in that realm.

Harris' journey in law and politics began with a challenging start, however, and despite currently emphasizing her career as a prosecutor, she initially stumbled by failing the California bar exam in 1989, nearly kicking herself out of contention for entrance to the profession, as Fox News reports.

Critics Question Harris' Legal Achievements

Despite her extensive resume, Harris' legal career has faced scrutiny. Critics argue that her professional achievements are not particularly notable and attribute her success largely to networking. Civil rights attorney Leo Terrell, who passed the bar exam in 1989, has been vocal about his opinion on Harris' rise.

"Networking is what catapulted Harris' career," Terrell stated. He believes her success as a prosecutor, state attorney general, and vice president stems from her connections rather than academic or professional accomplishments. "She has no outstanding achievement as a lawyer," he added.

Harris' association and romance with former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown has also been highlighted by critics, suggesting his guidance played a significant role in her career trajectory.

Launching Presidential Campaign After Biden's Exit

Harris announced her presidential bid following President Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 race. Pro-Harris advertisements have emphasized her experience in dealing with criminals and have contrasted her background with that of her Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump.

Democrats have framed the election as a stark choice between a prosecutor and a figure entangled in legal controversies. Rep. Greg Stanton echoed this sentiment, describing the race as "a prosecutor versus a convicted felon."

Harris' presidential campaign has leaned heavily on her narrative of law enforcement, with ads spotlighting her history of prosecuting criminals and her attention to justice.

Detailed Career in Law and Politics

Kamala Harris' 27-year legal career began in earnest when she joined the Alameda County District Attorney's Office in 1990. After becoming the San Francisco district attorney in 2004, she went on to be elected as California's attorney general in 2011 and later as a U.S. senator in 2016.

Harris' legal trajectory was spotlighted during her Senate tenure, particularly when she grilled Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett. In the hearings, Harris raised concerns about the potential impact on the Affordable Care Act.

Social media reactions compared Harris' early struggles with the bar exam to Barrett’s academic achievements, with one post noting, "Kamala Harris failed the bar 1st time. Amy Coney Barrett 1st in her class. I rest."

Biden's Endorsement Delivers Political Support

Former President Biden has shown unwavering support for Harris, even calling his decision to choose her as his vice-presidential running mate one of his best. "My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my vice president," he stated. Biden endorsed her candidacy for the 2024 race, encouraging Democrats to unify and support Harris in defeating Trump.

Biden’s decision to withdraw came after a disappointing debate performance in June, which led to increased pressure on him to exit the race. His endorsement of Harris provides her campaign with significant backing from party loyalists.

Harris' early educational journey took her through Howard University and later to the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, where she earned her law degree. Her trajectory in politics involved building vital relationships with key figures such as Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi.

Prosecutor Versus Felon Narrative Gains Momentum

With Harris positioned as the Democratic nominee, the party is galvanizing around a "Prosecutor vs. the Felon" narrative. Representative Daniel Goldman echoed this approach, emphasizing the clear distinction between Harris and Trump, particularly referring to Trump's legal challenges.

The Democratic campaign aims to highlight Harris' experience in law enforcement as indicative of her potential to uphold justice and advocate for Americans' rights. Her history of publicly endorsing Obama in 2008 further showcases her longstanding engagement in Democratic leadership.

Despite criticisms, Harris has insisted that early academic setbacks do not define one's ability or potential. "It's not a measure of your capacity," she has said to young law students, encouraging resilience and persistence.

As the presidential race heats up, Harris' camp continues to lean into the contrasting narratives of her prosecutorial background against her opponent’s legal entanglements.