In a recent episode of the popular podcast “Call Her Daddy,” Vice President Kamala Harris addressed a topic that has stirred debate and criticism: her choice not to have biological children. During the interview, she responded to criticisms from some Republican figures, particularly Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who implied that motherhood contributes to humility—a quality that Harris supposedly lacks. Harris asserted that such remarks are not only “mean-spirited” but also reflect a fundamental misunderstanding of women’s diverse experiences regarding motherhood.
Harris emphasized that many women are not seeking humility as a virtue, nor do they necessarily desire biological children. Instead, she highlighted a deeper narrative about women uplifting and supporting one another, regardless of their paths. “I don’t think she understands that there are a whole lot of women out here who… have a lot of love in their life,” she explained to host Alex Cooper. This sentiment resonates in a culture where women’s choices, whether to pursue careers, raise families, or forgo traditional motherhood, often come under scrutiny.
Turning the conversation to the term “childless cat ladies,” popularized by Republican commentators like Senator JD Vance, Harris condemned this stereotype as not only unfounded but also harmful. She referred to her stepchildren, Cole and Ella Emhoff, as her own—an assertion that family can take many forms beyond the traditional nuclear model. “I love those kids to death,” she expressed, challenging the outdated notion that one’s worth or character is tied only to biological progeny.
The interview format on “Call Her Daddy,” which has a strong following among younger audiences, aligns with Harris’s strategy to engage voters who might feel alienated from traditional political discourse. This week, she is slated for various appearances, mixing mainstream interviews with niche podcasts, aiming to reach demographics less inclined to consume news through conventional channels.
Cooper, representing a generation deeply impacted by the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade, voiced a sense of disillusionment with political figures—a sentiment shared among many young voters. “Why should we trust you?” she asked, a poignant moment that put Harris’s reputation and past actions under scrutiny. Harris responded by referencing her long career dedicated to advocating for freedoms, including those surrounding reproductive rights—an area she remains passionate about.
The dialogue during the podcast extended to significant issues facing women today, including reproductive rights, student debt, and economic hurdles. Harris spoke candidly about the implications of recent abortion bans across the U.S., stressing that women’s reproductive health encompasses far more than the right to terminate a pregnancy. She cited the essential health services provided by clinics, such as cancer screenings and preventative care, which are now jeopardized due to restrictive legislation.
On economic matters, Harris highlighted her ongoing commitment to policies that support families. She discussed a proposed $6,000 tax credit for families with young children and efforts to assist first-time home buyers. Moreover, she reiterated her commitment to addressing student debt relief, citing this financial burden as a barrier for young people contemplating life decisions, such as family planning and homeownership.
Despite initially hesitating to invite Harris onto her podcast, Cooper’s decision reflects a broader trend of political figures recognizing the importance of engaging with a younger, more diverse audience. Cooper has shaped her brand around candid discussions of relationships and personal growth, gradually incorporating political dialogues, especially post-Roe.
Harris’s appearance on “Call Her Daddy” seems part of a calculated effort to make political engagement relevant and accessible to younger audiences who may not typically align with traditional political discourse. In doing so, she not only confronts the prejudices of motherhood and womanhood but also strengthens her position as an advocate for all women, regardless of their life choices regarding family and career.