Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris confronted front-runner Joe Biden on race during a debate on Thursday, calling his remarks about working with segregationist senators "hurtful" and questioning his 1970s opposition to school busing.

In a Democratic contest where racial issues have figured prominently, Mayor Pete Buttigieg of South Bend, Indiana, also faced pointed questions about accusations of racism within the city's predominantly white police force in the aftermath of a fatal police shooting of a black man.

Harris, the daughter of a black father from Jamaica and an Indian mother, was at the center of several heated exchanges during the second night of debates among Democrats vying for the right to challenge Republican President Donald Trump in the November 2020 election.

Harris said the issue of race was deeply personal for her, noting she was bused to school as classes were integrated in California.

She looked straight at Biden and challenged him to explain himself.

"I do not believe you are a racist. And I agree with you when you commit yourself to the importance of finding common ground," said Harris, 54, a US senator from California.

"But I also believe - and it's personal and it was hurtful to hear you talk about the reputations of two United States senators who built their reputations and career on the segregation of race in this country."

Biden, who has faced heavy criticism for his recent comments saying he worked with segregationists decades ago to get things done in the US Senate, defended his record on civil rights.

"It's a mischaracterization of my position across the board: I did not praise racists. That is not true," he said. "If we want to have this campaign litigated on who supports civil rights and whether I did or not, I'm happy to do that."

"Everything I have done in my career, I ran because of civil rights and continue to think we have to make fundamental changes and those civil rights, by the way, include not just African-Americans, but the LGBT community," he said.

Going after Trump

During the debate, the contenders frequently attacked Trump and sharply disagreed over the best way to boost access to healthcare insurance coverage.

One of the lesser-known candidates, US Representative Eric Swalwell, 38, also trained his sights on Biden, urging the 76-year-old to pass the torch to younger candidates.

"I was 6 years old when a presidential candidate came to the California Democratic convention and said it’s time to pass the torch to a new generation of Americans," Swalwell said. "That candidate was then-Senator Joe Biden."

"He was right when he said that 32 years ago. He is still right today,” Swalwell said.

Biden responded: "I'm still holding onto that torch. I want to make it clear."

Biden and the candidate running second in polls among Democrats, Bernie Sanders, turned their fire on Trump repeatedly.

"The American people understand that Trump is a phony, that Trump is a pathological liar and a racist and that he lied to the American people during his campaign," said Sanders.

Biden, the former vice president making his third run for the White House, said Trump's tax cuts for the wealthy and other economic policies were increasing economic inequality in the United States.

'Horrible situation'

"Donald Trump has put us in a horrible situation. We do have enormous income inequality," Biden said. "The one thing I agree on is we can make massive cuts in the $1.6 trillion in tax loopholes out there, and I would be going about eliminating Donald Trump's tax cuts for the wealthy."

The debate also included U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and Kirsten Gillibrand, former Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, self-help guru Marianne Williamson and entrepreneur Andrew Yang. All six are polling nationally around 1% or less.

Like the Democrats who debated on Wednesday, the contenders disagreed on the best way to expand healthcare coverage. Asked who would back a plan that eliminated private insurance, only Sanders and Harris raised their hands.

The Democrats frequently talked over one another, shouting to get their points across as some of the lesser-known contenders tried to get noticed.

"Americans don't want to witness a food fight. They want to know how we're going to put food on their table," Harris said at one point.

Sanders defended his big-spending plans for a Medicare-for-All healthcare plan, saying it would reduce premiums for many but that some in the middle class might pay more.

"People who have health care under Medicare for all will have no premiums, no deductibles, no copayments, no out-of-pocket expenses. Yes, they will pay more in taxes, but less in healthcare for what they get," Sanders said.

Buttigieg, who as been grappling with turmoil from the aftermath of the police shooting in South Bend earlier this month, acknowledged that his police force lacked diversity because he "couldn’t get it done."

Buttigieg said the situation around the shooting was a "mess" because the officer did not have his body camera on.

Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris confronted front-runner Joe Biden on race during a debate on Thursday, calling his remarks about working with segregationist senators "hurtful" and questioning his 1970s opposition to school busing.

Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris confronted front-runner Joe Biden on race during a debate on Thursday, calling his remarks about working with segregationist senators "hurtful" and questioning his 1970s opposition to school busing. In a Democratic contest where racial issues have figured prominently, Mayor Pete Buttigieg of South Bend, Indiana, also faced pointed questions about accusations of racism within the city's predominantly white police force in the aftermath of a fatal police shooting of a black man. Harris, the daughter of a black father from Jamaica and an Indian mother, was at the center of several heated exchanges during the second night of debates among Democrats vying for the right to challenge Republican President Donald Trump in the November 2020 election. Harris said the issue of race was deeply personal for her, noting she was bused to school as classes were integrated in California. She looked straight at Biden and challenged him to explain himself. "I do not believe you are a racist. And I agree with you when you commit yourself to the importance of finding common ground," said Harris, 54, a US senator from California. "But I also believe - and it's personal and it was hurtful to hear you talk about the reputations of two United States senators who built their reputations and career on the segregation of race in this country." Biden, who has faced heavy criticism for his recent comments saying he worked with segregationists decades ago to get things done in the US Senate, defended his record on civil rights. "It's a mischaracterization of my position across the board: I did not praise racists. That is not true," he said. "If we want to have this campaign litigated on who supports civil rights and whether I did or not, I'm happy to do that." "Everything I have done in my career, I ran because of civil rights and continue to think we have to make fundamental changes and those civil rights, by the way, include not just African-Americans, but the LGBT community," he said. Going after Trump During the debate, the contenders frequently attacked Trump and sharply disagreed over the best way to boost access to healthcare insurance coverage. One of the lesser-known candidates, US Representative Eric Swalwell, 38, also trained his sights on Biden, urging the 76-year-old to pass the torch to younger candidates. "I was 6 years old when a presidential candidate came to the California Democratic convention and said it’s time to pass the torch to a new generation of Americans," Swalwell said. "That candidate was then-Senator Joe Biden." "He was right when he said that 32 years ago. He is still right today,” Swalwell said. Biden responded: "I'm still holding onto that torch. I want to make it clear." Biden and the candidate running second in polls among Democrats, Bernie Sanders, turned their fire on Trump repeatedly. "The American people understand that Trump is a phony, that Trump is a pathological liar and a racist and that he lied to the American people during his campaign," said Sanders. Biden, the former vice president making his third run for the White House, said Trump's tax cuts for the wealthy and other economic policies were increasing economic inequality in the United States. 'Horrible situation' "Donald Trump has put us in a horrible situation. We do have enormous income inequality," Biden said. "The one thing I agree on is we can make massive cuts in the $1.6 trillion in tax loopholes out there, and I would be going about eliminating Donald Trump's tax cuts for the wealthy." The debate also included U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and Kirsten Gillibrand, former Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, self-help guru Marianne Williamson and entrepreneur Andrew Yang. All six are polling nationally around 1% or less. Like the Democrats who debated on Wednesday, the contenders disagreed on the best way to expand healthcare coverage. Asked who would back a plan that eliminated private insurance, only Sanders and Harris raised their hands. The Democrats frequently talked over one another, shouting to get their points across as some of the lesser-known contenders tried to get noticed. "Americans don't want to witness a food fight. They want to know how we're going to put food on their table," Harris said at one point. Sanders defended his big-spending plans for a Medicare-for-All healthcare plan, saying it would reduce premiums for many but that some in the middle class might pay more. "People who have health care under Medicare for all will have no premiums, no deductibles, no copayments, no out-of-pocket expenses. Yes, they will pay more in taxes, but less in healthcare for what they get," Sanders said. Buttigieg, who as been grappling with turmoil from the aftermath of the police shooting in South Bend earlier this month, acknowledged that his police force lacked diversity because he "couldn’t get it done." Buttigieg said the situation around the shooting was a "mess" because the officer did not have his body camera on.

Kamala Harris goes after Biden on race in US presidential debate

Chinese tech giant Huawei's top executive in the European Union is lashing out at the Trump administration's recently announced trade ban on the company and says other firms should be worried, too.

Huawei says it's a 'victim of bullying by the US administration'

Democratic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/american-dream-under-attack-kamala-harris-formally-launches-bid-for-us-presidency-193280">US Senator Kamala Harris</a> released on Sunday 15 years of tax returns through 2018, offering the most complete look to date at a presidential candidate's finances.

Harris held public office during the years 2004 through 2018. With her husband, Douglas Emhoff, an attorney, she had a combined adjusted gross income in 2018 of about $1.89 million, and paid total taxes of about $697,000, according to the returns.

Harris and Emhoff, who have filed joint tax returns since marrying in 2014, have paid more than $2.2 million in federal taxes over the past five years at an average effective tax rate of 32.6 per cent, according to her campaign.

Harris' release of her tax filings follows that of fellow White House contenders like Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Elizabeth Warren. Senator Bernie Sanders has said he will release his tax filings this week. Tax day is April 15 in the United States.

Democrats in the 2020 race have released their tax returns as Republican President Donald Trump resists moves by congressional investigators to review his tax filings in probes related to his businesses and Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.

Trump is the first modern US president not to release his tax returns to the public.

After taking control of the House of Representatives in the 2018 elections, Democrats passed a bill that would require presidential candidates to release their tax returns. It has not been voted on by the Senate, which is controlled by Republicans, but Harris supports such legislation.

Harris has also called for the repeal of the Republican tax law approved in 2016 that delivered major tax cuts to the wealthy and businesses.

In 2018, about $157,000 of Harris and Emhoff's $1.89 million in income came from Harris' salary as a US senator, with the bulk of the rest reported as partnership income from Emhoff's work at a law firm.

Before her marriage to Emhoff, most of the income Harris reported each year was from the salary she earned as California's attorney general and, before that, as San Francisco's district attorney.

Democratic US Senator Kamala Harris released on Sunday 15 years of tax returns through 2018, offering the most complete look to date at a presidential candidate's finances.

Democratic US Senator Kamala Harris released on Sunday 15 years of tax returns through 2018, offering the most complete look to date at a presidential candidate's finances. Harris held public office during the years 2004 through 2018. With her husband, Douglas Emhoff, an attorney, she had a combined adjusted gross income in 2018 of about $1.89 million, and paid total taxes of about $697,000, according to the returns. Harris and Emhoff, who have filed joint tax returns since marrying in 2014, have paid more than $2.2 million in federal taxes over the past five years at an average effective tax rate of 32.6 per cent, according to her campaign. Harris' release of her tax filings follows that of fellow White House contenders like Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Elizabeth Warren. Senator Bernie Sanders has said he will release his tax filings this week. Tax day is April 15 in the United States. Democrats in the 2020 race have released their tax returns as Republican President Donald Trump resists moves by congressional investigators to review his tax filings in probes related to his businesses and Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Trump is the first modern US president not to release his tax returns to the public. After taking control of the House of Representatives in the 2018 elections, Democrats passed a bill that would require presidential candidates to release their tax returns. It has not been voted on by the Senate, which is controlled by Republicans, but Harris supports such legislation. Harris has also called for the repeal of the Republican tax law approved in 2016 that delivered major tax cuts to the wealthy and businesses. In 2018, about $157,000 of Harris and Emhoff's $1.89 million in income came from Harris' salary as a US senator, with the bulk of the rest reported as partnership income from Emhoff's work at a law firm. Before her marriage to Emhoff, most of the income Harris reported each year was from the salary she earned as California's attorney general and, before that, as San Francisco's district attorney.

Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris releases 15 years of tax returns

Senator Amy Klobuchar has officially joined a crowded field of Democrats vying to challenge President Donald Trump in 2020 - already shaping up to be one of the largest and most diverse ever.

Klobuchar is now part of a group of White House hopefuls that includes other high-flying female US senators, charismatic military veterans and a young gay mayor. And it is likely to grow before the US primary season gets underway a year from now.&nbsp;

Here are the first entrants in the presidential race, 21 months before the election.

The 58-year-old granddaughter of an iron miner, Klobuchar is a former prosecutor with an unpretentious demeanour. She has quietly gained attention in Washington as a centrist.&nbsp;

Klobuchar is known for putting partisanship aside to pass legislation, something that has earned her a devoted following in Minnesota, and something American voters regularly tell pollsters they want.

Klobuchar has promised more stringent gun laws and set a target of universal health care while calling for America to support its troops, diplomats and intelligence officers.

But claims about her work ethic have cast a shadow over her goals. Several former aides have been quoted saying she is difficult to work for, with bouts of "explosive rage" leading to exceptionally high staff turnover.&nbsp;

Her defenders say she is simply someone who demands excellence, and that the allegations against her would not be made against a man.

Elizabeth Warren

At 69, the US Senate's consumer protection champion from Massachusetts became the first high-profile Democrat to enter the race when she announced a presidential exploratory committee on December 31. She officially kicked off her White House run on Saturday.&nbsp;

Warren is on the party's left flank and built her reputation by holding Wall Street accountable for its missteps. She is considered to have one of the best campaign organizations of any Democrat.

Trump has already taken aim at Warren, mocking her proclamation of Native American heritage.

Cory Booker

The 49-year-old US senator from New Jersey announced his candidacy February 1, evoking the civil rights movement as he promised to work to bring together a divided America.&nbsp;

Often compared to former president Barack Obama, Booker began his career as a community activist and rose to prominence as mayor of Newark, New Jersey. He was elected to the US Senate in 2013, the first African-American senator ever from that state.

A talented orator with a flair for the dramatic, he drew attention for his performance during confirmation hearings of Trump Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.

Kirsten Gillibrand

This New York senator made a name fighting the battle to end sexual assault, especially in the military, before the #MeToo movement gained national prominence.&nbsp;

The 52-year-old, a fierce Trump critic, is making gender and women's issues a hallmark of her campaign.

Kamala Harris

The barrier-breaking senator from California who aspires to be the nation's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/indian-american-democrat-kamala-harris-enters-2020-us-presidential-elections-191826">first black female president</a> announced her candidacy on a day honouring slain civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr.

The daughter of an Indian immigrant medical researcher mother and a Jamaican economist father, Harris, 54, began her career as a district attorney in San Francisco before serving as California's attorney general.

Julian Castro

A cabinet member in the Obama era and grandson of a Mexican immigrant, Castro announced his candidacy in English and Spanish on January 12 in the heat of the debate on immigration and border security.

At 44, the former mayor of San Antonio, Texas hopes to become the nation's first Hispanic president.

Tulsi Gabbard

At just 37, this congresswoman from Hawaii would be the first Hindu president if elected.

A supporter of liberal Bernie Sanders in the 2016 race, military veteran Gabbard was criticised for meeting with Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad during that country's civil war, and for anti-gay positions that she has since retracted and apologised for.

Pete Buttigieg&nbsp;

Nine months younger than Gabbard is the South Bend, Indiana, the mayor who joined the race unveiling a resolutely future-looking and optimistic message to counter Trump's darker vision.

A US Navy veteran who put his mayoral duties on hold to serve in Afghanistan, Buttigieg would become the first openly gay nominee of any major party.

Andrew Yang

The 44-year-old tech entrepreneur launched his campaign with little fanfare in late 2017, warning against the dangers that automation presents to US workers. He has advocated for a form of universal basic income as a way to reduce inequality.

John Delaney

An affluent Maryland businessman who served three terms in Congress, Delaney was the earliest Democrat to officially launch a bid, back in July 2017. He has crisscrossed the early-voting state of Iowa seeking to boost his name recognition.

Waiting in the wings

Several big Democratic guns have yet to commit, including former vice president Joe Biden and senators Bernie Sanders and Sherrod Brown.

Former Texas congressman Beto O'Rourke is considering a run, as are billionaire New York ex-mayor Michael Bloomberg and Los Angeles Mayor&nbsp; 
Eric Garcetti.

Current and former governors are in the mix, too: Washington's Jay Inslee, John Hickenlooper of Colorado, Steve Bullock of Montana and Virginia's Terry McAuliffe.&nbsp;

Senator Amy Klobuchar has officially joined a crowded field of Democrats vying to challenge President Donald Trump in 2020 - already shaping up to be one of the largest and most diverse ever.

Senator Amy Klobuchar has officially joined a crowded field of Democrats vying to challenge President Donald Trump in 2020 - already shaping up to be one of the largest and most diverse ever. Klobuchar is now part of a group of White House hopefuls that includes other high-flying female US senators, charismatic military veterans and a young gay mayor. And it is likely to grow before the US primary season gets underway a year from now. Here are the first entrants in the presidential race, 21 months before the election. The 58-year-old granddaughter of an iron miner, Klobuchar is a former prosecutor with an unpretentious demeanour. She has quietly gained attention in Washington as a centrist. Klobuchar is known for putting partisanship aside to pass legislation, something that has earned her a devoted following in Minnesota, and something American voters regularly tell pollsters they want. Klobuchar has promised more stringent gun laws and set a target of universal health care while calling for America to support its troops, diplomats and intelligence officers. But claims about her work ethic have cast a shadow over her goals. Several former aides have been quoted saying she is difficult to work for, with bouts of "explosive rage" leading to exceptionally high staff turnover. Her defenders say she is simply someone who demands excellence, and that the allegations against her would not be made against a man. Elizabeth Warren At 69, the US Senate's consumer protection champion from Massachusetts became the first high-profile Democrat to enter the race when she announced a presidential exploratory committee on December 31. She officially kicked off her White House run on Saturday. Warren is on the party's left flank and built her reputation by holding Wall Street accountable for its missteps. She is considered to have one of the best campaign organizations of any Democrat. Trump has already taken aim at Warren, mocking her proclamation of Native American heritage. Cory Booker The 49-year-old US senator from New Jersey announced his candidacy February 1, evoking the civil rights movement as he promised to work to bring together a divided America. Often compared to former president Barack Obama, Booker began his career as a community activist and rose to prominence as mayor of Newark, New Jersey. He was elected to the US Senate in 2013, the first African-American senator ever from that state. A talented orator with a flair for the dramatic, he drew attention for his performance during confirmation hearings of Trump Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. Kirsten Gillibrand This New York senator made a name fighting the battle to end sexual assault, especially in the military, before the #MeToo movement gained national prominence. The 52-year-old, a fierce Trump critic, is making gender and women's issues a hallmark of her campaign. Kamala Harris The barrier-breaking senator from California who aspires to be the nation's first black female president announced her candidacy on a day honouring slain civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. The daughter of an Indian immigrant medical researcher mother and a Jamaican economist father, Harris, 54, began her career as a district attorney in San Francisco before serving as California's attorney general. Julian Castro A cabinet member in the Obama era and grandson of a Mexican immigrant, Castro announced his candidacy in English and Spanish on January 12 in the heat of the debate on immigration and border security. At 44, the former mayor of San Antonio, Texas hopes to become the nation's first Hispanic president. Tulsi Gabbard At just 37, this congresswoman from Hawaii would be the first Hindu president if elected. A supporter of liberal Bernie Sanders in the 2016 race, military veteran Gabbard was criticised for meeting with Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad during that country's civil war, and for anti-gay positions that she has since retracted and apologised for. Pete Buttigieg Nine months younger than Gabbard is the South Bend, Indiana, the mayor who joined the race unveiling a resolutely future-looking and optimistic message to counter Trump's darker vision. A US Navy veteran who put his mayoral duties on hold to serve in Afghanistan, Buttigieg would become the first openly gay nominee of any major party. Andrew Yang The 44-year-old tech entrepreneur launched his campaign with little fanfare in late 2017, warning against the dangers that automation presents to US workers. He has advocated for a form of universal basic income as a way to reduce inequality. John Delaney An affluent Maryland businessman who served three terms in Congress, Delaney was the earliest Democrat to officially launch a bid, back in July 2017. He has crisscrossed the early-voting state of Iowa seeking to boost his name recognition. Waiting in the wings Several big Democratic guns have yet to commit, including former vice president Joe Biden and senators Bernie Sanders and Sherrod Brown. Former Texas congressman Beto O'Rourke is considering a run, as are billionaire New York ex-mayor Michael Bloomberg and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. Current and former governors are in the mix, too: Washington's Jay Inslee, John Hickenlooper of Colorado, Steve Bullock of Montana and Virginia's Terry McAuliffe.

Far out from 2020, a deep Democratic bench takes shape

Lamenting that the American Dream and its democracy are under attack in Donald Trump's United States, California Senator Kamala Harris formally declared Sunday her candidacy to become the country's first black female president in 2020.

Harris, who was California's attorney general from 2011 to 2017, made her announcement to supporters outside city hall in Oakland, San Francisco's grittier neighbour where she was born.

Barack Obama introduced himself to Californian voters in 2007 in the same location before he was elected the first African American president of the United States a year later.

Harris already announced in a January 21 video that she would run for president. She joins a Democratic field with several other candidates seeking to keep Trump out of the White House for a second term.

"We are here because the American dream and our American democracy are under attack and on the line like never before," she said.

"When democratic values are under attack around the globe, when authoritarianism is on the march, when nuclear proliferation is on the rise, when we have foreign powers infecting the White House like malware, let's speak the truth," she added to raucous applause.

'Not our America' 
Without naming the president, Harris directly targeted the divisive policies of his unconventional administration.

Harris, whose father is from Jamaica and whose mother is a Tamil Indian, said that "in the face of powerful forces trying to sow hate and division among us, the truth is that as Americans, we have so much more in common than what separates us."

Trump regularly tries to equate illegal immigrants with crime and gangs, and his standoff with Democrats in Congress over funding for a wall on the Mexican border led to a record nearly five-week shutdown of parts of the government.

"The president's medieval vanity project is not going to stop them," Harris said of transnational gangs.

She also attacked Trump's failed policy that put migrant children "in cages" after separating them from their parents.

"Don't you dare call that border security. That's a human rights abuse!" she said.

Referring to racist-inspired deadly violence in the country, Harris said "that's not our America," and neither is it when "we have leaders who bully and attack a free press and undermine our democratic institutions."

Trump regularly dismisses as "fake news" reports that cast him in a critical light, and has called some journalists the "enemy of the people."

Harris joins Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and former housing secretary Julian Castro, among others, either in the race or exploring a run for the 2020 Democratic nomination.

Lamenting that the American Dream and its democracy are under attack in Donald Trump's United States, California Senator Kamala Harris formally declared Sunday her candidacy to become the country's first black female president in 2020.

Lamenting that the American Dream and its democracy are under attack in Donald Trump's United States, California Senator Kamala Harris formally declared Sunday her candidacy to become the country's first black female president in 2020. Harris, who was California's attorney general from 2011 to 2017, made her announcement to supporters outside city hall in Oakland, San Francisco's grittier neighbour where she was born. Barack Obama introduced himself to Californian voters in 2007 in the same location before he was elected the first African American president of the United States a year later. Harris already announced in a January 21 video that she would run for president. She joins a Democratic field with several other candidates seeking to keep Trump out of the White House for a second term. "We are here because the American dream and our American democracy are under attack and on the line like never before," she said. "When democratic values are under attack around the globe, when authoritarianism is on the march, when nuclear proliferation is on the rise, when we have foreign powers infecting the White House like malware, let's speak the truth," she added to raucous applause. 'Not our America' Without naming the president, Harris directly targeted the divisive policies of his unconventional administration. Harris, whose father is from Jamaica and whose mother is a Tamil Indian, said that "in the face of powerful forces trying to sow hate and division among us, the truth is that as Americans, we have so much more in common than what separates us." Trump regularly tries to equate illegal immigrants with crime and gangs, and his standoff with Democrats in Congress over funding for a wall on the Mexican border led to a record nearly five-week shutdown of parts of the government. "The president's medieval vanity project is not going to stop them," Harris said of transnational gangs. She also attacked Trump's failed policy that put migrant children "in cages" after separating them from their parents. "Don't you dare call that border security. That's a human rights abuse!" she said. Referring to racist-inspired deadly violence in the country, Harris said "that's not our America," and neither is it when "we have leaders who bully and attack a free press and undermine our democratic institutions." Trump regularly dismisses as "fake news" reports that cast him in a critical light, and has called some journalists the "enemy of the people." Harris joins Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and former housing secretary Julian Castro, among others, either in the race or exploring a run for the 2020 Democratic nomination.

American dream under attack: Kamala Harris formally launches bid for US Presidency

Kamala Harris, the first Indian-origin Senator, has raised a whopping more than $1 million funds within 24 hours after announcing her presidential bid for 2020, according to a media report.

Harris, 54, officially launched her campaign for the US presidential election in 2020 to take on President Donald Trump on Monday, saying she was "honoured" to announce her bid on a day when Americans celebrated Martin Luther King Jr who sought inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi.

In the 24 hours after Harris made the announcement on ABC's "Good Morning America", 38,000 donors gave $1.5 million to her campaign, the Fox News reported.&nbsp;

"Thanks to you, we surpassed $1.5 million in grassroots contributions in under 24 hours," Harris tweeted.

In fact, within the first 12 hours alone, Harris' campaign registered $1 million in funding, and the average donation was around $37, the report said mentioning the Wall Street Journal.

Harris also raised more than $110,000 from merchandise, which includes a tote bag, a T-shirt featuring her "Kamala Harris for the people" slogan and a hat, according to the Journal.

A vocal critic of President Donald Trump, Harris is the fourth Democrat to join the battle for the party's nomination in the 2020 election.

While it's too early to say on the results of the grilling presidential primary that would conclude with the Democratic National Convention in July 2020, the Indian-American community leaders said Harris - who is of mixed parental heritage from India and the Caribbean - has a fair and clear shot at the White House.

Kamala Harris, the first Indian-origin Senator, has raised a whopping more than $1 million funds within 24 hours after announcing her presidential bid for 2020, according to a media report.

Kamala Harris, the first Indian-origin Senator, has raised a whopping more than $1 million funds within 24 hours after announcing her presidential bid for 2020, according to a media report. Harris, 54, officially launched her campaign for the US presidential election in 2020 to take on President Donald Trump on Monday, saying she was "honoured" to announce her bid on a day when Americans celebrated Martin Luther King Jr who sought inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi. In the 24 hours after Harris made the announcement on ABC's "Good Morning America", 38,000 donors gave $1.5 million to her campaign, the Fox News reported. "Thanks to you, we surpassed $1.5 million in grassroots contributions in under 24 hours," Harris tweeted. In fact, within the first 12 hours alone, Harris' campaign registered $1 million in funding, and the average donation was around $37, the report said mentioning the Wall Street Journal. Harris also raised more than $110,000 from merchandise, which includes a tote bag, a T-shirt featuring her "Kamala Harris for the people" slogan and a hat, according to the Journal. A vocal critic of President Donald Trump, Harris is the fourth Democrat to join the battle for the party's nomination in the 2020 election. While it's too early to say on the results of the grilling presidential primary that would conclude with the Democratic National Convention in July 2020, the Indian-American community leaders said Harris - who is of mixed parental heritage from India and the Caribbean - has a fair and clear shot at the White House.

Kamala Harris raises over $1 million within 24 hours of her presidential bid announcement

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/missile-strikes-against-iranian-revolutionary-guards-quds-force-israel-191798">Missile strikes against Iranian Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force: Israel</a>

Israel struck what it said were Iranian targets in Syria early Monday in response to missile fire it blamed on Iran, sparking concerns of an escalation after a monitor reported 11 fighters killed.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/indian-american-democrat-kamala-harris-enters-2020-us-presidential-elections-191826">Indian-American Democrat Kamala Harris enters 2020 US presidential elections</a>

First-term Democratic Senator Kamala Harris of California, a rising party star and outspoken critic of President Donald Trump's immigration policies, launched her 2020 campaign for the White House on Monday in an appearance on ABC's "Good Morning America."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/imran-khan-government-most-disappointing-in-pakistans-recent-history-ex-diplomat-husain-haqqani-to-wion-191809">Imran Khan government most disappointing in Pakistan's recent history: Ex-diplomat Husain Haqqani to WION</a>

Former Pakistani diplomat Husain Haqqani has had a successful career serving as Pakistan's ambassador to the US during President Bush's administration. In his early years, he served both Nawaz Sharif and former PM Benazir Bhutto during the tumultuous period in the late 80s and early 90s.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/unpaid-work-done-by-women-globally-worth-43-times-apples-annual-turnover-oxfam-191775">Unpaid work </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/unpaid-work-done-by-women-globally-worth-43-times-apples-annual-turnover-oxfam-191775">done</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/unpaid-work-done-by-women-globally-worth-43-times-apples-annual-turnover-oxfam-191775"> by women globally worth 43-times Apple's annual turnover: Oxfam</a>

Unpaid work done by women across the globe amounts to a staggering $10 trillion a year, which is 43 times the annual turnover of the world's biggest company Apple, an Oxfam study said Monday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/rohingya-muslim-group-fleeing-india-to-bangladesh-stuck-on-zero-line-191773">Bangladesh denies entry to 31 Rohingyas trying to flee India</a>

Bangladesh has denied entry to 31 Rohingya Muslims trying to enter from India and they are stuck in no man's land on the border, Bangladesh authorities said on Monday, as India cracks down on members of the community.

&nbsp;

Missile strikes against Iranian Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force: Israel Israel struck what it said were Iranian targets in Syria early Monday in response to missile fire it blamed on Iran, sparking concerns of an escalation after a monitor reported 11 fighters killed.

Missile strikes against Iranian Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force: Israel Israel struck what it said were Iranian targets in Syria early Monday in response to missile fire it blamed on Iran, sparking concerns of an escalation after a monitor reported 11 fighters killed. Indian-American Democrat Kamala Harris enters 2020 US presidential elections First-term Democratic Senator Kamala Harris of California, a rising party star and outspoken critic of President Donald Trump's immigration policies, launched her 2020 campaign for the White House on Monday in an appearance on ABC's "Good Morning America." Imran Khan government most disappointing in Pakistan's recent history: Ex-diplomat Husain Haqqani to WION Former Pakistani diplomat Husain Haqqani has had a successful career serving as Pakistan's ambassador to the US during President Bush's administration. In his early years, he served both Nawaz Sharif and former PM Benazir Bhutto during the tumultuous period in the late 80s and early 90s. Unpaid work done by women globally worth 43-times Apple's annual turnover: Oxfam Unpaid work done by women across the globe amounts to a staggering $10 trillion a year, which is 43 times the annual turnover of the world's biggest company Apple, an Oxfam study said Monday. Bangladesh denies entry to 31 Rohingyas trying to flee India Bangladesh has denied entry to 31 Rohingya Muslims trying to enter from India and they are stuck in no man's land on the border, Bangladesh authorities said on Monday, as India cracks down on members of the community.

News brief: Big stories of the day

First-term Democratic Senator Kamala Harris of California, a rising party star and outspoken critic of President Donald Trump's immigration policies, launched her 2020 campaign for the White House on Monday in an appearance on ABC's "Good Morning America."

Harris, 54, the daughter of immigrants from Jamaica and India, enters the race with the potential advantage of being the Democratic candidate who looks most like the party's increasingly diverse base of young, female and minority voters.

“Let’s do this, together. Let’s claim our future. For ourselves, for our children, and for our country,” Harris said in a campaign video that was released to coincide with her television appearance.

The announcement falls on the US Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday honouring the slain civil rights leader, and the day was selected as a reminder of the aspirational fight for progress, an aide said.

The former California state attorney general has become popular with liberal activists for her tough questioning of Trump administration appointees and officials, including Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh and former Attorney General Jeff Sessions, during Senate hearings.

Her campaign will focus on reducing the high cost of living with a middle-class tax credit, pursuing immigration and criminal justice changes and a Medicare-for-all healthcare system. She has said she will reject corporate political action committee money.

Harris’ campaign will be based in Baltimore, with a second office in Oakland, California. Her slogan will be “For the People,” in a nod to Harris’ roots as a prosecutor, aides said.

She will hold a launch rally in Oakland before the end of the month.

As one of the earliest congressional critics of President Donald Trump's immigration policies, Harris has pushed hard for a deal to protect from deportation those immigrants who came to the country illegally as children, a group known as Dreamers.

Harris is the fifth Democrat to enter what is shaping up to be a crowded battle for the nomination to challenge Trump, the likely Republican candidate.

She and other Democrats will have to navigate the party's debate about whether an establishment figure who can appeal to centrist voters or a fresh face who can energize its increasingly diverse and progressive base offers the best chance to beat Trump in 2020.

Harris, who made history in 2016 as the first black woman elected to the US Senate from California, has embraced the party's diversity ahead of a Democratic nominating campaign where minority voters and liberal activists are expected to have an outsized voice.

Former prosecutor

She has pushed back against critics of "identity politics," who she says are using the term as a pejorative to marginalize issues of race, gender and sexual orientation.

"It is used to try and shut us up," Harris told a conference of liberal activists last summer.

The former San Francisco prosecutor drew notice when her rapid-fire grilling of Sessions during a 2017 Senate Judiciary Committee hearing caused him to complain.

"It makes me nervous," Sessions said.

In September, she was among a handful of Democrats who aggressively questioned Kavanaugh at his Supreme Court confirmation hearing about his views on abortion and on the special counsel probe into potential Russian meddling in the 2016 election.

In the Senate, she has introduced a bill to give lower-income families cash payments and tax credits to help battle wage stagnation and rising housing costs, and has been a strong advocate of criminal justice reforms.

Harris launched a book tour in early January to promote a memoir, making a series of media appearances that helped bolster her visibility ahead of her campaign announcement.

Her campaign could be aided by the schedule for the state-by-state party nominating process that is scheduled to begin in February 2020.

The kickoff state of Iowa, which launched Barack Obama's presidential bid in 2008, has a strong base of liberal activists, and the race will then quickly move to more diverse states such as Nevada and South Carolina. Her home state of California also has moved up its primary to increase its influence.

But political foes will pore over her record in California, where she has come under scrutiny for declining as attorney general to prosecute OneWest, the bank once headed by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, for alleged foreclosure violations.

Harris, who voted against Mnuchin's confirmation as head of the Treasury, has said she "followed the facts" in declining to prosecute.

She also has been criticized for saying she was not aware of sexual harassment allegations against one of her top aides, who resigned in December after a California newspaper asked him about a 2016 harassment lawsuit. Xavier Becerra, who replaced Harris as attorney general, settled the lawsuit in May 2017 for $400,000.

First-term Democratic Senator Kamala Harris of California, a rising party star and outspoken critic of President Donald Trump's immigration policies, launched her 2020 campaign for the White House on Monday in an appearance on ABC's "Good Morning America.

First-term Democratic Senator Kamala Harris of California, a rising party star and outspoken critic of President Donald Trump's immigration policies, launched her 2020 campaign for the White House on Monday in an appearance on ABC's "Good Morning America." Harris, 54, the daughter of immigrants from Jamaica and India, enters the race with the potential advantage of being the Democratic candidate who looks most like the party's increasingly diverse base of young, female and minority voters. “Let’s do this, together. Let’s claim our future. For ourselves, for our children, and for our country,” Harris said in a campaign video that was released to coincide with her television appearance. The announcement falls on the US Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday honouring the slain civil rights leader, and the day was selected as a reminder of the aspirational fight for progress, an aide said. The former California state attorney general has become popular with liberal activists for her tough questioning of Trump administration appointees and officials, including Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh and former Attorney General Jeff Sessions, during Senate hearings. Her campaign will focus on reducing the high cost of living with a middle-class tax credit, pursuing immigration and criminal justice changes and a Medicare-for-all healthcare system. She has said she will reject corporate political action committee money. Harris’ campaign will be based in Baltimore, with a second office in Oakland, California. Her slogan will be “For the People,” in a nod to Harris’ roots as a prosecutor, aides said. She will hold a launch rally in Oakland before the end of the month. As one of the earliest congressional critics of President Donald Trump's immigration policies, Harris has pushed hard for a deal to protect from deportation those immigrants who came to the country illegally as children, a group known as Dreamers. Harris is the fifth Democrat to enter what is shaping up to be a crowded battle for the nomination to challenge Trump, the likely Republican candidate. She and other Democrats will have to navigate the party's debate about whether an establishment figure who can appeal to centrist voters or a fresh face who can energize its increasingly diverse and progressive base offers the best chance to beat Trump in 2020. Harris, who made history in 2016 as the first black woman elected to the US Senate from California, has embraced the party's diversity ahead of a Democratic nominating campaign where minority voters and liberal activists are expected to have an outsized voice. Former prosecutor She has pushed back against critics of "identity politics," who she says are using the term as a pejorative to marginalize issues of race, gender and sexual orientation. "It is used to try and shut us up," Harris told a conference of liberal activists last summer. The former San Francisco prosecutor drew notice when her rapid-fire grilling of Sessions during a 2017 Senate Judiciary Committee hearing caused him to complain. "It makes me nervous," Sessions said. In September, she was among a handful of Democrats who aggressively questioned Kavanaugh at his Supreme Court confirmation hearing about his views on abortion and on the special counsel probe into potential Russian meddling in the 2016 election. In the Senate, she has introduced a bill to give lower-income families cash payments and tax credits to help battle wage stagnation and rising housing costs, and has been a strong advocate of criminal justice reforms. Harris launched a book tour in early January to promote a memoir, making a series of media appearances that helped bolster her visibility ahead of her campaign announcement. Her campaign could be aided by the schedule for the state-by-state party nominating process that is scheduled to begin in February 2020. The kickoff state of Iowa, which launched Barack Obama's presidential bid in 2008, has a strong base of liberal activists, and the race will then quickly move to more diverse states such as Nevada and South Carolina. Her home state of California also has moved up its primary to increase its influence. But political foes will pore over her record in California, where she has come under scrutiny for declining as attorney general to prosecute OneWest, the bank once headed by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, for alleged foreclosure violations. Harris, who voted against Mnuchin's confirmation as head of the Treasury, has said she "followed the facts" in declining to prosecute. She also has been criticized for saying she was not aware of sexual harassment allegations against one of her top aides, who resigned in December after a California newspaper asked him about a 2016 harassment lawsuit. Xavier Becerra, who replaced Harris as attorney general, settled the lawsuit in May 2017 for $400,000.

Indian-American Democrat Kamala Harris enters 2020 US presidential elections

Senator Kamala Harris, who is eyeing to challenge President Donald Trump in the 2020 elections, has credited her Indian-American "superhero" mother for instilling in her the sense of responsibility that motivates her political career.&nbsp;

Harris, 54, is the first Indian-origin Senator in the US. Her mother Shyamala Gopalan Harris immigrated to the US for studies at the age of 19 from Tamil Nadu. She married Donald Harris an African American born in Jamaica in 1938.&nbsp;

"It was really my mother who took charge of our upbringing. She was the one most responsible for shaping us into the women we would become. And she was extraordinary," Harris writes in her book 'The Truths We Hold: An American Journey' that hit the stores this week.&nbsp;

She said that her late mother empowered her to take personal action to fix problems she encountered -- a theme that she says is influencing her political career.

Harris, is being seen as a potential strong contender to get the Democratic presidential nomination to challenge Trump in the 2020 elections.&nbsp;

"My mother was barely five foot one, but I felt like she was six foot two. She was smart and tough and fierce and protective. She was generous, loyal, and funny. She had only two goals in life: to raise her two daughters and to end breast cancer," the Senator from California said.&nbsp;

"She pushed us hard and with high expectations as she nurtured us. And all the while, she made Maya and me feel special, like we could do anything we wanted to if we put in the work," Harris said. Maya is the name of her younger sister.&nbsp;

In her second book for the children "Superheroes Are Everywhere"&nbsp;Harris describes her mother as on top of her list of superheroes.&nbsp;

"My mom was a superhero because she made me feel special. She believed in me and that helped me believe I could do anything," Harris wrote in the book.&nbsp;

Harris said her mother had been raised in a household where political activism and civic leadership came naturally.&nbsp;

"My grandmother, Rajam Gopalan, had never attended high school, but she was a skilled community organiser. She would take in women who were being abused by their husbands, and then she'd call the husbands and tell them they'd better shape up or she would take care of them,"&nbsp;she wrote.

Her grandfather P V Gopalan had been part of the movement for India's independence, she wrote.

"Eventually, as a senior diplomat in the Indian government, he and my grandmother had spent time living in Zambia after it gained independence, helping to settle refugees," Harris said.

Harris said her mother inherited her grandmother's strength and courage. People who knew them knew not to mess with either.&nbsp;

"And from both of my grandparents, my mother developed a keen political consciousness. She was conscious of history, conscious of struggle, conscious of inequities. She was born with a sense of justice imprinted on her soul," she wrote.

Recollecting her childhood days, Kamala Harris said those early days were happy and carefree.&nbsp;

Harris said she was also close to her mother's brother, Balu, and her two sisters, Sarala and Chinni.&nbsp;

"They lived many thousands of miles away, and we rarely saw one another. Still, through many long-distance calls, our periodic trips to India, and letters and cards written back and forth, our sense of family of closeness and comfort and trust?was able to penetrate the distance," she said.

"It's how I first really learned that you can have very close relationships with people, even if it's not on a daily basis. We were always there for one another, regardless of what form that would take. My mother, grandparents, aunts, and uncle instilled us with pride in our South Asian roots. Our classical Indian names harked back to our heritage, and we were raised with a strong awareness of and appreciation for Indian culture," she wrote.

"My mother understood very well that she was raising two black daughters. She knew that her adopted homeland would see Maya and me as black girls, and she was determined to make sure we would grow into confident, proud black women," Harris wrote in her book.&nbsp;

Harris was the first woman attorney general of California and the first African American to occupy that position. Former US President Barack Obama described her as a "trailblazer".&nbsp;

Senator Kamala Harris, who is eyeing to challenge President Donald Trump in the 2020 elections, has credited her Indian-American "superhero" mother for instilling in her the sense of responsibility that motivates her political career.

Senator Kamala Harris, who is eyeing to challenge President Donald Trump in the 2020 elections, has credited her Indian-American "superhero" mother for instilling in her the sense of responsibility that motivates her political career. Harris, 54, is the first Indian-origin Senator in the US. Her mother Shyamala Gopalan Harris immigrated to the US for studies at the age of 19 from Tamil Nadu. She married Donald Harris an African American born in Jamaica in 1938. "It was really my mother who took charge of our upbringing. She was the one most responsible for shaping us into the women we would become. And she was extraordinary," Harris writes in her book 'The Truths We Hold: An American Journey' that hit the stores this week. She said that her late mother empowered her to take personal action to fix problems she encountered -- a theme that she says is influencing her political career. Harris, is being seen as a potential strong contender to get the Democratic presidential nomination to challenge Trump in the 2020 elections. "My mother was barely five foot one, but I felt like she was six foot two. She was smart and tough and fierce and protective. She was generous, loyal, and funny. She had only two goals in life: to raise her two daughters and to end breast cancer," the Senator from California said. "She pushed us hard and with high expectations as she nurtured us. And all the while, she made Maya and me feel special, like we could do anything we wanted to if we put in the work," Harris said. Maya is the name of her younger sister. In her second book for the children "Superheroes Are Everywhere" Harris describes her mother as on top of her list of superheroes. "My mom was a superhero because she made me feel special. She believed in me and that helped me believe I could do anything," Harris wrote in the book. Harris said her mother had been raised in a household where political activism and civic leadership came naturally. "My grandmother, Rajam Gopalan, had never attended high school, but she was a skilled community organiser. She would take in women who were being abused by their husbands, and then she'd call the husbands and tell them they'd better shape up or she would take care of them," she wrote. Her grandfather P V Gopalan had been part of the movement for India's independence, she wrote. "Eventually, as a senior diplomat in the Indian government, he and my grandmother had spent time living in Zambia after it gained independence, helping to settle refugees," Harris said. Harris said her mother inherited her grandmother's strength and courage. People who knew them knew not to mess with either. "And from both of my grandparents, my mother developed a keen political consciousness. She was conscious of history, conscious of struggle, conscious of inequities. She was born with a sense of justice imprinted on her soul," she wrote. Recollecting her childhood days, Kamala Harris said those early days were happy and carefree. Harris said she was also close to her mother's brother, Balu, and her two sisters, Sarala and Chinni. "They lived many thousands of miles away, and we rarely saw one another. Still, through many long-distance calls, our periodic trips to India, and letters and cards written back and forth, our sense of family of closeness and comfort and trust?was able to penetrate the distance," she said. "It's how I first really learned that you can have very close relationships with people, even if it's not on a daily basis. We were always there for one another, regardless of what form that would take. My mother, grandparents, aunts, and uncle instilled us with pride in our South Asian roots. Our classical Indian names harked back to our heritage, and we were raised with a strong awareness of and appreciation for Indian culture," she wrote. "My mother understood very well that she was raising two black daughters. She knew that her adopted homeland would see Maya and me as black girls, and she was determined to make sure we would grow into confident, proud black women," Harris wrote in her book. Harris was the first woman attorney general of California and the first African American to occupy that position. Former US President Barack Obama described her as a "trailblazer".

Kamala Harris says inspired by her super hero Indian-American mother

The United States is geared up to vote in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/what-matters-most-voters-sound-off-on-us-midterm-elections-175132">upcoming midterm elections</a>. While the House of Representatives has all 435 seats at stake, voters will elect a new governor in 36 states. Speaking of the US Senate, 36 out of 100 senators will fight it out this midterm. US Senator from California and the only Indian-American in the Senate, Kamala Harris, has her seat secured this time but has been going big on campaigning for the Democrats.

Rise of Harris

Harris’ campaign strategy and fundraising activities for the Democrats this year have made her increasingly popular, to an extent that she is now being seen as one of the strongest Democrat contenders for the 2020 Presidential polls.

Born on October 20, 1964, in California, Kamala Devi Harris’ journey to the United States Senate has been nothing short of inspiring. Harris’ mother migrated to the States from Madras, India while her father is a Jamaican. Her parents met as activists during the civil rights movement. The African-American cause and the immigration policy have been close to Harris’ agenda.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-us-midterm-polls-how-they-work-and-what-is-at-stakes-175277">Also read:&nbsp;US midterm polls, how they work and what is at stake</a>

Kamala eyes 2020?

Last month Harris headed to South Carolina, a move that fanned her prospects as a possible 2020 contender. The majority of South Carolina primary Democratic electorate is African American. South Carolina has proven critical in Democratic politics; the state played a pivotal role in propelling both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton to the 2008 and 2016 presidential nominations, respectively.

In South Carolina, Harris acknowledged the importance of black voters for Democratic politics, at the same time she carefully phrased her message to a wider audience.&nbsp;

"Leaders should be able to see all of the people who we represent and see them equally," she told reporters, later adding regardless of race or geography, "some of the issues are the same issues, because frankly the values are the same, and the challenges are the same for families, especially working families," news agency Associated Press quoted Harris.

On Trump's immigration policy

Harris' take on Trump's immigration policy has been quite critical, during her first town hall earlier this year, she launched a scathing attack on Trump administration's move to separate children from parents at the border calling it an "immoral" act.

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Yesterday I got a tour of an immigration detention facility and visited with the mothers separated from their children. And my heart is broken. These mothers personal stories demonstrate a human rights abuse committed by the United States government. We have to keep fighting. <a href="https://t.co/Oto6oE2xAG">pic.twitter.com/Oto6oE2xAG</a>
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris/status/1010609190002483200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"This Administration's immigration policies are outrageous, cruel, and inhumane. Proactively working to break up immigrant families is putting these kids' lives in danger. We need to put a stop to this. Members of the Administration should come to testify on this inhumane policy," Harris tweeted out in May.

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This Administration's immigration policies are outrageous, cruel, and inhumane. Proactively working to break up immigrant families is putting these kids' lives in danger. We need to put a stop to this. Members of the Administration should come testify on this inhumane policy.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris/status/1000413219499008003?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Harris and US Midterm 2018

California's junior senator will not put up a fight for re-election this term, but that hasn't stopped her from campaigning for the Democrats across America.&nbsp;

US media has reported Harris to have raised close to $5 million to help elect Democrats this midterm, adding more sheen to the prospects of her Presidential candidacy.&nbsp;

Former US Vice President Joe Biden has also put his buck on Harris, last month he predicted that the Democrats would win the 40 seats in the House of Representatives, giving them "a slightly better than even" chance of taking the US Senate.

He added that a number of potential Democrats, including Kamala Harris, are seeking nominations and are capable of pursuing "a much more enlightened foreign policy than the President."

"I predict to you the Democrats will win 40 seats in the house. And I predict to you, there is a slightly better than even chance that we win the Senate. I really do think we will win the Senate," Biden was quoted by news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

Electrifying as Obama?&nbsp;

The US media described Harris' recent Iowa visit as electrifying, stating that the enthusiasm on her arrival in the state had Obama-like energy. Iowa has recently witnessed a flurry of potential 2020 candidates pass through the state. Despite speculations on her 2020 candidature, Harris has remained tight-lipped on the same with no official comment.&nbsp;

Undeniably, Harris has emerged as a prominent Democrat voice on all major issues that rocked the United States this year. Her term as a US Senator will only come to end in 2022 before which she might eye&nbsp;another feat -- the 2020 Presidential run.

The United States is geared up to vote in the upcoming midterm elections. While the House of Representatives has all 435 seats at stake, voters will elect a new governor in 36 states.

The United States is geared up to vote in the upcoming midterm elections. While the House of Representatives has all 435 seats at stake, voters will elect a new governor in 36 states. Speaking of the US Senate, 36 out of 100 senators will fight it out this midterm. US Senator from California and the only Indian-American in the Senate, Kamala Harris, has her seat secured this time but has been going big on campaigning for the Democrats. Rise of Harris Harris’ campaign strategy and fundraising activities for the Democrats this year have made her increasingly popular, to an extent that she is now being seen as one of the strongest Democrat contenders for the 2020 Presidential polls. Born on October 20, 1964, in California, Kamala Devi Harris’ journey to the United States Senate has been nothing short of inspiring. Harris’ mother migrated to the States from Madras, India while her father is a Jamaican. Her parents met as activists during the civil rights movement. The African-American cause and the immigration policy have been close to Harris’ agenda. Also read: US midterm polls, how they work and what is at stake Kamala eyes 2020? Last month Harris headed to South Carolina, a move that fanned her prospects as a possible 2020 contender. The majority of South Carolina primary Democratic electorate is African American. South Carolina has proven critical in Democratic politics; the state played a pivotal role in propelling both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton to the 2008 and 2016 presidential nominations, respectively. In South Carolina, Harris acknowledged the importance of black voters for Democratic politics, at the same time she carefully phrased her message to a wider audience. "Leaders should be able to see all of the people who we represent and see them equally," she told reporters, later adding regardless of race or geography, "some of the issues are the same issues, because frankly the values are the same, and the challenges are the same for families, especially working families," news agency Associated Press quoted Harris. On Trump's immigration policy Harris' take on Trump's immigration policy has been quite critical, during her first town hall earlier this year, she launched a scathing attack on Trump administration's move to separate children from parents at the border calling it an "immoral" act. Yesterday I got a tour of an immigration detention facility and visited with the mothers separated from their children. And my heart is broken. These mothers personal stories demonstrate a human rights abuse committed by the United States government. We have to keep fighting. pic.twitter.com/Oto6oE2xAG — Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) June 23, 2018 × "This Administration's immigration policies are outrageous, cruel, and inhumane. Proactively working to break up immigrant families is putting these kids' lives in danger. We need to put a stop to this. Members of the Administration should come to testify on this inhumane policy," Harris tweeted out in May. This Administration's immigration policies are outrageous, cruel, and inhumane. Proactively working to break up immigrant families is putting these kids' lives in danger. We need to put a stop to this. Members of the Administration should come testify on this inhumane policy. — Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) May 26, 2018 × Harris and US Midterm 2018 California's junior senator will not put up a fight for re-election this term, but that hasn't stopped her from campaigning for the Democrats across America. US media has reported Harris to have raised close to $5 million to help elect Democrats this midterm, adding more sheen to the prospects of her Presidential candidacy. Former US Vice President Joe Biden has also put his buck on Harris, last month he predicted that the Democrats would win the 40 seats in the House of Representatives, giving them "a slightly better than even" chance of taking the US Senate. He added that a number of potential Democrats, including Kamala Harris, are seeking nominations and are capable of pursuing "a much more enlightened foreign policy than the President." "I predict to you the Democrats will win 40 seats in the house. And I predict to you, there is a slightly better than even chance that we win the Senate. I really do think we will win the Senate," Biden was quoted by news agency Reuters. Electrifying as Obama? The US media described Harris' recent Iowa visit as electrifying, stating that the enthusiasm on her arrival in the state had Obama-like energy. Iowa has recently witnessed a flurry of potential 2020 candidates pass through the state. Despite speculations on her 2020 candidature, Harris has remained tight-lipped on the same with no official comment. Undeniably, Harris has emerged as a prominent Democrat voice on all major issues that rocked the United States this year. Her term as a US Senator will only come to end in 2022 before which she might eye another feat -- the 2020 Presidential run.

Kamala Harris: America's only Indian-American Senator bolsters Democrats' midterm prospects, eyes 2020 ticket

US Senator Tammy Duckworth, a decorated Asian American army veteran and double amputee, announced Tuesday she was pregnant with her second child.

The 49-year-old Democrat from Illinois stands to be the first senator to give birth during her term.

&quot;Wanted to share some exciting personal news...&quot; she tweeted, alongside a picture of two grownup ducks and a young duck joined by a plus sign to a baby duck, and a caption that read: &quot;Duck, duck, duck...duckling!&quot;

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Wanted to share some exciting personal news... <a href="https://t.co/ZZyu9pG2nq">pic.twitter.com/ZZyu9pG2nq</a>
&mdash; Tammy Duckworth (@SenDuckworth) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenDuckworth/status/955945234084573185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Duckworth told the Chicago Sun-Times she was expecting her second child, another girl, in April -- a few weeks after she turns 50.

&quot;Bryan and I are thrilled that our family is getting a little bit bigger, and Abigail is ecstatic to welcome her baby sister home this spring,&quot; she added in a statement, referring to her husband and three-year-old daughter.

Ten members of Congress have given birth in office -- but they all belonged to the chamber&#39;s House of Representatives.

&quot;As tough as it&#39;s been to juggle motherhood and the demands of being in the House and now the Senate, it&#39;s made me more committed to doing this job,&quot; the Sun-Times quoted her as saying.

An Iraq war veteran and retired US army lieutenant colonel, Duckworth lost both her legs when the helicopter she was co-piloting was shot down by insurgents in 2004.

She entered the House in 2012 and then the Senate in 2016, where she is one of the 100-strong chamber&#39;s 22 women.

Born in Thailand to a Thai mother and American father, she is the joint second Asian American woman to serve in the Senate, alongside Kamala Harris.

Tammy Duckworth is a decorated Asian American army veteran and double amputee

US Senator Tammy Duckworth, a decorated Asian American army veteran and double amputee, announced Tuesday she was pregnant with her second child. The 49-year-old Democrat from Illinois stands to be the first senator to give birth during her term. "Wanted to share some exciting personal news..." she tweeted, alongside a picture of two grownup ducks and a young duck joined by a plus sign to a baby duck, and a caption that read: "Duck, duck, duck...duckling!" Wanted to share some exciting personal news... pic.twitter.com/ZZyu9pG2nq — Tammy Duckworth (@SenDuckworth) January 23, 2018 × Duckworth told the Chicago Sun-Times she was expecting her second child, another girl, in April -- a few weeks after she turns 50. "Bryan and I are thrilled that our family is getting a little bit bigger, and Abigail is ecstatic to welcome her baby sister home this spring," she added in a statement, referring to her husband and three-year-old daughter. Ten members of Congress have given birth in office -- but they all belonged to the chamber's House of Representatives. "As tough as it's been to juggle motherhood and the demands of being in the House and now the Senate, it's made me more committed to doing this job," the Sun-Times quoted her as saying. An Iraq war veteran and retired US army lieutenant colonel, Duckworth lost both her legs when the helicopter she was co-piloting was shot down by insurgents in 2004. She entered the House in 2012 and then the Senate in 2016, where she is one of the 100-strong chamber's 22 women. Born in Thailand to a Thai mother and American father, she is the joint second Asian American woman to serve in the Senate, alongside Kamala Harris.

US senator pregnant, set to be first to give birth in office

Indian-American California senator&nbsp;Kamala Harris has topped the prestigious Foreign Policy magazine&#39;s 2017 list of &#39;50 Leading Global Thinkers&#39; which also features US Ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley.

Besides Harris and Haley, Indian-origin stand-up comedian&nbsp;Hasan Minhaj has also made it to the list which recognises a remarkable range of individuals who have found ways to exert enormous influence on a wide range of issues, often in unexpected ways.

&quot;They are the doers who defined 2017,&quot; said the Foreign Policy while releasing its annual list of global thinkers, which has 50 numbers this year instead of 100 as was mostly seen in previous years.

Topping the list is Harris, 53, for giving the Democratic Party hope in the era of President Donald Trump, the magazine said. Harris, the daughter of an Indian mother and a Jamaican father, is the first-ever Indian-American to be elected to the US Senate.

Seen as a potential Democratic presidential candidate, Harris is the only black woman in the Senate. &quot;Her professional bona fides and two decades as a prosecutor, her commitment to social justice (she has made immigrants&#39; rights and bail reform the focus of her first year in office), and her personal &#39;firsts&#39; make her appealing to voters still smarting from (Hillary) Clinton&#39;s loss and hungry for a charismatic non-white, non-male presidential candidate,&quot; the magazine said.

South Korean President, Moon Jae-in is ranked second on the list for trying to rebuild decent democratic leadership in South Korea.

Popular comedian Minhaj, 32, is placed third in the ranking for defining the narrative of a &quot;New Brown America&quot;, it said. Early this year he was the first Indian-American to have been chosen to host the White House Correspondents&#39; Dinner. &quot;The final comedian to be hired by The Daily Show during Jon Stewart&#39;s tenure as host, Minhaj has since joined an elite cadre of popular news satirists including Stewart, Trevor Noah, Stephen Colbert, Samantha Bee, and John Oliver - whose joyful embrace of &#39;fake news&#39; often gets at fundamental truths at which the mainstream media can only gesture,&quot; it said.

Former South Carolina governor Haley, 45, the first Indian-American to be a member of any presidential cabinet, files in the list of global thinkers for trying to preserve America&#39;s traditional vision of international affairs, said the magazine.&nbsp;

&quot;The US foreign policy that Haley has spent just over 10 months defending smacks more of traditional Republican (and, arguably, traditional US) policies more closely in line with Ronald Reagan than with the current president,&quot; it said.

Among others in the list are the&nbsp;presidential candidate for the FARC, the Colombian rebel group that has traded its weapons for party politics, the female director of Afghanistan&#39;s foreign-language film contender for the Oscars, the venture capitalist who is using tech companies to bridge the gap between Israel and Palestine, and an Iraqi member of parliament who is demanding her country recognise the genocide of the minority Yazidis.

&quot;This year&#39;s list showcases a remarkable range of individuals who have found ways to exert enormous influence, often in unexpected ways, on a wide range of issues from North Korea policy, to the rise of populism, to how we combat fake news, to cementing a new narrative in American culture... to comedy,&quot; said Jonathan Tepperman, editor-in-chief of the magazine.

&quot;These amazing people are not only rethinking our world, but also reshaping it. They defined 2017, and we&#39;re thrilled by the chance to recognise their accomplishments for good, at least in most cases,&quot; he said.

The list also includes Chelsea Manning, ex-Trump aide Stephen Bannon, and French President Emmanuel Macron.&nbsp;

First-ever Indian-American US Senator, Kamala Harris, aged 53 tops Foreign Policy magazine's list of '50 Global Thinkers 2017'. US Ambassador - Nikki Haley, French President - Emmanuel Macron, ex-Trump aide, Stephen Bannon, and South Korean President - Moon Jae-in also make it to the list.

Indian-American California senator Kamala Harris has topped the prestigious Foreign Policy magazine's 2017 list of '50 Leading Global Thinkers' which also features US Ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley. Besides Harris and Haley, Indian-origin stand-up comedian Hasan Minhaj has also made it to the list which recognises a remarkable range of individuals who have found ways to exert enormous influence on a wide range of issues, often in unexpected ways. "They are the doers who defined 2017," said the Foreign Policy while releasing its annual list of global thinkers, which has 50 numbers this year instead of 100 as was mostly seen in previous years. Topping the list is Harris, 53, for giving the Democratic Party hope in the era of President Donald Trump, the magazine said. Harris, the daughter of an Indian mother and a Jamaican father, is the first-ever Indian-American to be elected to the US Senate. Seen as a potential Democratic presidential candidate, Harris is the only black woman in the Senate. "Her professional bona fides and two decades as a prosecutor, her commitment to social justice (she has made immigrants' rights and bail reform the focus of her first year in office), and her personal 'firsts' make her appealing to voters still smarting from (Hillary) Clinton's loss and hungry for a charismatic non-white, non-male presidential candidate," the magazine said. South Korean President, Moon Jae-in is ranked second on the list for trying to rebuild decent democratic leadership in South Korea. Popular comedian Minhaj, 32, is placed third in the ranking for defining the narrative of a "New Brown America", it said. Early this year he was the first Indian-American to have been chosen to host the White House Correspondents' Dinner. "The final comedian to be hired by The Daily Show during Jon Stewart's tenure as host, Minhaj has since joined an elite cadre of popular news satirists including Stewart, Trevor Noah, Stephen Colbert, Samantha Bee, and John Oliver - whose joyful embrace of 'fake news' often gets at fundamental truths at which the mainstream media can only gesture," it said. Former South Carolina governor Haley, 45, the first Indian-American to be a member of any presidential cabinet, files in the list of global thinkers for trying to preserve America's traditional vision of international affairs, said the magazine. "The US foreign policy that Haley has spent just over 10 months defending smacks more of traditional Republican (and, arguably, traditional US) policies more closely in line with Ronald Reagan than with the current president," it said. Among others in the list are the presidential candidate for the FARC, the Colombian rebel group that has traded its weapons for party politics, the female director of Afghanistan's foreign-language film contender for the Oscars, the venture capitalist who is using tech companies to bridge the gap between Israel and Palestine, and an Iraqi member of parliament who is demanding her country recognise the genocide of the minority Yazidis. "This year's list showcases a remarkable range of individuals who have found ways to exert enormous influence, often in unexpected ways, on a wide range of issues from North Korea policy, to the rise of populism, to how we combat fake news, to cementing a new narrative in American culture... to comedy," said Jonathan Tepperman, editor-in-chief of the magazine. "These amazing people are not only rethinking our world, but also reshaping it. They defined 2017, and we're thrilled by the chance to recognise their accomplishments for good, at least in most cases," he said. The list also includes Chelsea Manning, ex-Trump aide Stephen Bannon, and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Indian-American senator Kamala Harris tops Foreign Policy magazine's Global Thinkers list

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