Watch Kamala Harris: To Be the First

Kamala Harris: To Be the First is a docuseries from ABC that takes an in-depth look at the life and political career of Kamala Harris, the first woman, first Black person, and first Asian American to be elected Vice President of the United States. The four-episode series covers Harris's upbringing in Oakland, California, her time as a prosecutor and Attorney General of California, her run for President in 2020, and her historic election as Vice President alongside President Joe Biden.

The first episode, "A Sense of Who You Are," explores Harris's childhood and family background. Harris grew up in a multicultural household with her Indian mother and Jamaican father. Her parents were both activists, and Harris was exposed to social justice issues from a young age. She attended Howard University, a historically Black college in Washington, D.C., and went on to earn a law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.

Episode two, "Smart on Crime," delves into Harris's career as a prosecutor, which has been a topic of controversy for some progressives. Harris rose through the ranks in the San Francisco District Attorney's Office and later served as Attorney General of California. She was known for being tough on crime and for implementing reforms such as body cameras for police officers and a program to reduce recidivism among criminal offenders. However, some critics argue that her record was not always progressive enough, particularly with regards to sentencing and the death penalty.

In the third episode, "The Art of Tough," Harris's run for President in the 2020 Democratic primary is examined. Harris was seen as a rising star in the Democratic Party and was initially considered a top contender for the nomination. However, her campaign faltered and she dropped out before the primaries began. The episode explores the challenges Harris faced as a woman of color running for President, as well as the critiques of her record as a prosecutor.

The final episode, "The Path to Victory," covers Harris's historic run for Vice President and eventual election alongside Joe Biden. The episode looks at the role Harris played in the Biden campaign, her debate performances, and the historic significance of her election. It also examines the challenges that lie ahead for Harris as Vice President, including addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing criminal justice reform, and advancing other progressive policies.

Throughout the series, Kamala Harris: To Be the First features interviews with Harris herself as well as with her family members, friends, allies, and critics. The series also includes archival footage and photographs from throughout Harris's life and career. The docuseries is a comprehensive look at one of the most significant political figures of our time, and provides insight into the challenges and opportunities faced by women of color in politics.