**Episode Title: "David Chiu on Kamala Harris: The Joyful Warrior and Justice Advocate"**

In this episode of *100 Days of Kamala*, Priya David Clemens sits down with San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu, who has known Vice President Kamala Harris for over 25 years. Chiu reflects on their early days working together in the San Francisco District Attorney's office and offers a firsthand account of Kamala's rise from a "force of nature" in the courtroom to a leading figure on the national stage.

Chiu shares his first memory of Kamala, watching her command the courtroom as a new prosecutor: "She was brilliant. She was tough. She was a scrappy fighter, but she exuded compassion and warmth for victims." He highlights her unique combination of empathy and strength, qualities that continue to define her leadership today.

Chiu also delves into Kamala's pioneering approach to criminal justice reform, including her innovative Back on Track program, which sought to reduce recidivism and uplift marginalized communities. “She was always ahead of her time,” Chiu notes, explaining how Kamala prioritized real results and solutions over slogans, focusing on being "smart on crime."

Throughout the episode, Chiu shares personal stories of Kamala’s humanity and her unwavering commitment to justice, as well as how her immigrant upbringing shaped her determination to serve others. He recalls organizing the first *Asians for Kamala* group in 2003 and witnessing her ability to connect deeply with diverse communities.

Chiu also addresses the challenges Kamala has faced throughout her career, including misconceptions about her tenure as a prosecutor and the attacks she has weathered. Yet, he is confident in her ability to rise above: “She’s always turned attacks into opportunities, and she’s exactly the right person to prosecute the biggest case of her life against Donald Trump.”

From Kamala’s nuanced approach to justice to her joyful spirit and dedication to children, this episode provides a heartfelt look at the Vice President’s journey through the eyes of a longtime friend and colleague.

In this episode of 100 Days of Kamala, Priya David Clemens sits down with Matthew Rothschild, a key figure in Vice President Kamala Harris’s early political career and a personal friend who has known her since the mid-1990s. With more than 30 years of experience in San Francisco politics, Rothschild served as an advisor to Kamala during her campaigns for San Francisco District Attorney and California Attorney General. His unique perspective offers listeners a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Kamala’s rise to prominence, showcasing both her experience as a leader and the personal traits that set her apart.

Rothschild shares candid stories about Kamala’s deep-rooted family influence, particularly the pivotal role her late mother, Shyamala Gopalan, played in shaping her values and ambitions. "Her mother was one of the most extraordinary women I’ve ever met in my life," Rothschild recalls. He describes how Shyamala’s brilliance, resilience, and humor were cornerstones of Kamala’s upbringing and deeply informed her approach to life and leadership. Shyamala’s pride in her South Asian heritage and her groundbreaking work as a cancer researcher were instrumental in shaping Kamala’s drive and sense of justice.

The episode also delves into Kamala’s early political challenges, including her 2003 campaign for San Francisco District Attorney, where she faced tough odds and a well-established incumbent. Rothschild reflects on those early days, describing how Kamala’s intelligence, work ethic, and charisma drew people to her campaign, even when she was polling at only 6%. He also touches on the hurdles Kamala faced as a woman in politics, noting how "they tried to criticize her for her personal life, which I think is quite misogynist. They don’t ask men who they dated 10 or 15 years ago."

One of the episode’s highlights is Rothschild’s recounting of Kamala’s relationship with California Governor Gavin Newsom. Despite being allies in many ways, Rothschild acknowledges that "there’s always been a little rivalry. Of course there has been. They were both from a new generation moving up and had similar backing with financial and political supporters." He recalls the awkwardness when Newsom’s wife worked for Kamala’s opponent during her DA campaign and how Rothschild once playfully confronted Newsom about whether he’d vote for Kamala. Rothschild also praises Newsom’s decision to support Kamala’s presidential bid in 2024, stating, "He did the right thing for so many reasons. Running against her would’ve left a lot of battle scars."

Listeners are also treated to personal anecdotes that show a side of Kamala that’s rarely seen in public. Rothschild fondly recalls Kamala’s sense of humor and her ability to connect on a personal level. "Kamala’s not a prude," he emphasizes. "She’s fun, has a great laugh, and she knows how to dish." These moments reveal a leader who, despite her serious public image, enjoys lighthearted moments and values close relationships with her friends.

From her deep family roots to the political rivalries and friendships that shaped her career, this episode provides an intimate portrait of Kamala Harris as a person and a politician. Tune in for a rich discussion that sheds light on the human side of one of America’s most prominent leaders and explores the journey that has taken her from San Francisco politics to the national stage.

In this episode of "100 Days of Kamala," host Priya David Clemens interviews Halie Soifer, CEO of the Jewish Democratic Council of America and former National Security Advisor to then-Senator Kamala Harris from 2017 to 2018. Halie remains close to Harris to this day and recently spent Passover in a small group with the Vice President at her official residence. Halie reflects on Kamala’s early days in Washington, sharing how she “quickly established herself as a force to be reckoned with” in the Senate. Halie describes Harris’s approach during hearings, noting how her “pointed and deliberate questioning often left Trump administration officials visibly unsettled,” showcasing her ability to navigate complex issues with precision.

The conversation also touches on Kamala’s personal side, with Halie recounting an unexpected phone call during a challenging time. “She reached out just to see how I was doing—when no one was watching, which speaks volumes about who she is,” Halie shares, adding a layer of depth to the public’s understanding of Kamala as both a leader and a person.

Halie also discusses Kamala's role on the Senate Intelligence Committee, where she played a pivotal part in the investigation into Russia’s interference in the 2016 election. “Much of the work was done behind closed doors, but her contributions were significant,” Halie explains, emphasizing how this experience helped shape Kamala’s views on national security.

The episode further explores Kamala's stance on Israel amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with Halie highlighting her “steadfast support for the U.S.-Israel relationship” and her nuanced approach to addressing complex international issues.

Halie also offers a glimpse into the partnership between Kamala and her husband, Doug Emhoff, sharing how they “support each other in every way,” and recalling a meaningful moment during a trip to Israel where Kamala “placed a kippah on Doug’s head with such care, preparing him for that special moment.”

This episode offers a rich tapestry of insights, quotes, and reflections from someone who worked closely with Kamala Harris during a formative period in her career, revealing both her professional rigor and her personal warmth.