{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"#6 "Gavin Newsom, Shyamala, Kamala's Not a Prude" Matthew Rothschild, Member of Harris's Kitchen Cabinet","description":"In this episode of 100 Days of Kamala, Priya David Clemens sits down with Matthew Rothschild, a key figure in Vice President Kamala Harris\u2019s 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\u2019s rise to prominence, showcasing both her experience as a leader and the personal traits that set her apart. Rothschild shares candid stories about Kamala\u2019s 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\u2019ve ever met in my life," Rothschild recalls. He describes how Shyamala\u2019s brilliance, resilience, and humor were cornerstones of Kamala\u2019s upbringing and deeply informed her approach to life and leadership. Shyamala\u2019s pride in her South Asian heritage and her groundbreaking work as a cancer researcher were instrumental in shaping Kamala\u2019s drive and sense of justice. The episode also delves into Kamala\u2019s 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\u2019s 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\u2019t ask men who they dated 10 or 15 years ago." One of the episode\u2019s highlights is Rothschild\u2019s recounting of Kamala\u2019s relationship with California Governor Gavin Newsom. Despite being allies in many ways, Rothschild acknowledges that "there\u2019s 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\u2019s wife worked for Kamala\u2019s opponent during her DA campaign and how Rothschild once playfully confronted Newsom about whether he\u2019d vote for Kamala. Rothschild also praises Newsom\u2019s decision to support Kamala\u2019s presidential bid in 2024, stating, "He did the right thing for so many reasons. Running against her would\u2019ve left a lot of battle scars." Listeners are also treated to personal anecdotes that show a side of Kamala that\u2019s rarely seen in public. Rothschild fondly recalls Kamala\u2019s sense of humor and her ability to connect on a personal level. "Kamala\u2019s not a prude," he emphasizes. "She\u2019s 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\u2019s most prominent leaders and explores the journey that has taken her from San Francisco politics to the national stage. ","author_name":"100 Days of Kamala","author_url":"https:\/\/www.100daysofkamala.news\/","html":"