Manhattan Beach Reacts To Kamala Harris As Joe Biden's VP Choice

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — History was made today when Democratic Presidential nominee Joe Biden named the U.S. Senator from California, Kamala Harris, as his vice presidential pick. Harris is the first Black woman to be selected to run as a vice president.

Here are some thoughts from Manhattan Beach community members on the selection of Harris.

Mitch Ward, former Manhattan Beach City Council member

"Moments like this I'm glad to be alive to hear of Vice President Joe Biden’s stellar pick of Senator Kamala Harris as his running mate. It is a historical and a great day for women and girls of color in our nation and for all of us. I’ve met Senator Harris personally and I know she will be kicking ass and taking names on day one. Senator Harris is exactly what we need on the ticket to prepare for the cleanup of the filth, lies, and cowardice we’ve patiently endured for four years. Even better, Kamala Harris doesn’t speak Russian. Viva Biden-Harris ticket!"

Nancy Hersman, Manhattan Beach City Council member

"I’m thrilled he chose Kamala! She is smart, compassionate, experienced and knowledgeable. Her voice as a Black woman is needed today. She will complement Joe and be a great right hand woman!"

Kavon Ward, MB resident

"My feeling is that I am disappointed she has been chosen given her lack of accountability as it relates to prosecuting police who murder Black people. I am not confident she will help create the change the world needs to see and I think she will perpetuate systemic racism and white supremacy. But hey, she’s the first Black woman to do this, so I suppose she deserves a brownie point."

Loralie Ogden, MB resident

"All the feminists here, including Madeline [her adult daughter], are thrilled! She’ll be a great VP, campaigner and leader to take us back to the republic our founding fathers intended us to be."

Lee Phillips, MB resident

"I think Kamala is analytical, smart and determined. Excellent qualities in any candidate. I have not had time to process the nomination any more. It will be a tough campaign."

Richard Montgomery, MB Mayor

"I found her to be personable and knowledgeable about issues affecting the South Bay. The fact that she told me she and her husband enjoy visiting Manhattan Beach for dinner was even better!"

Amy Howorth, former MB City Council member

"I’m absolutely thrilled that Joe Biden chose Kamala Harris as his Vice-President. Beyond being qualified for the position, he chose someone who had been a former rival, showing the nation we can and should come together for the greater good. Obviously, she is a historic choice and she is also the right choice."

Wayne Powell, former MB City Council member

"I had the honor of meeting with Senator Kamala Harris, when I was Mayor of Manhattan Beach. We discussed important non-political local issues. Politics aside, Senator Harris is a very intelligent, competent and personable public servant."

Chaz Flemmings, MB resident

"Congratulations to Kamala Harris, the first African American Woman to be named on the Presidential ballot as Vice President Nominee for the Democratic Party. I reflect on a quote by Former Presidential Democratic Candidate Shirley Chisholm which states, “It is not female egotism to say that the future of mankind may very well be ours to determine. It is a fact. The warmth, gentleness, and compassion that are part of the female stereo-type are positive human values, values that are becoming more and more important as the values of our world begin to shatter and fall from our grasp.' I thank both for paving the way in this very important election where we will have many women and African-American nominees who are fighting for a change in politics."

Chevy Laurent, owner of RydeFYR in MB

"As a black woman, it's great to see someone who looks like me on the Presidential stage for the very first time. This is a monumental time in history."

Diane Wallace, MB resident

"Kamala Harris is a great addition to the Democratic ticket. She has been a great leader in CA and will provide amazing leadership on the National and world stage!"

Melissa Robinson-Chavez, "'Pop the Bubble' on Racism: A Peaceful Protest for Children" event organizer

"Excited does not give this moment the credit it deserves! Senator Harris, I am so proud and honored to share that we serve on the same Charity Organization, The Links Inc.. Senator Harris is the first Black woman, first South Asian American woman, and only the fourth woman of any race to be chosen as a part of a major party’s presidential ticket as Vice President. Having that representation at the highest level of our nation’s government is an honor and a win for human rights, civil rights and really for all of us. Senator Harris’ life has prepared her for this moment. The daughter of an Indian mother and Jamaican father, she took a bus each day to integrate her elementary school. As a student at Howard University, my father's alumni, she led the debate team and demonstrated against apartheid. After law school, she chose to become a prosecutor and continued blazing trails. She was the first African American and first woman to be elected district attorney of San Francisco. She was the first African American and first woman elected attorney general for the State of California. She is only the second African American woman ever to serve in the United States Senate. Her life, however, has been more than just a great resume. Throughout her career, she has focused on the things that we care about, including law enforcement accountability, criminal justice reform, and protecting children and families. I could not be more proud than to support my Link Sister in her journey as she is soon to be elected to the office of Vice President of the United States! I love the fact that she uses 'her voice' to speak for others who cannot. The doors that she has opened and invited us all to walk through says so much about who she is, such a beautiful human being fighting for human and civil rights. Her accomplishment is a great accomplishment not only for women of color not only for women of all nationalities but for all! Many hugs! It bring tears to my eyes to show my daughter that someone who looks like her can reach the highest level of our nation's government."

Joe Franklin, MB Resident

"Joe Biden’s historic pick of Kamela Harris brings a lot of excitement to his campaign. In the Democratic Primary debates, she showed her solid legal background and tenacity. I look forward to seeing what platform the two of them will promote to address the challenges facing our country. I’m a law and order candidate. Public safety is my top priority. Ms. Harris, as California Attorney General, was responsible in 2014 for writing Proposition 47’s official title and summary. It was promoted as the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act. The effect of increased crime and serious repercussions of this new law, I feel, impact the security and safety of residents of Manhattan Beach. It also frustrates our police force when they arrest a suspect for certain crimes only to have them released with no bail and possibly cause further harm to innocent people. I’ll be watching to see her position on laws like this given she has the opportunity to become Vice President of the United States."

Steve Napolitano, MB City Council member

"On the one hand, I'd like to say that my focus is on Manhattan Beach and if anyone cares what I think about someone's VP choice, they need to rethink their priorities. On the other hand, I always like having a Californian on the ticket, any ticket."

Grettel Fournell, MB resident

"As a woman of color and the daughter of immigrants, I am thrilled to see a first generation American woman on a presidential ticket."

Hildy Stern, MB City Council member

"I think Kamala Harris is a fabulous choice and makes sense for so many reasons. She will certainly bring experience, intelligence and fearless passion to the the vice-presidency. We should all embrace this historic moment for women of color and the importance of continuing to bring diversity to our leadership. It in encouraging to see that Kamala Harris and Joe Biden can overcome their prior differences and come back together to support each other and work to advance their common values."

Mark Burton, former MB City Council member

"As an immigrant from a disadvantaged family, I am thrilled to see Ms. Kamala Harris as our Vice Presidential candidate. Ms. Kamala Harris is certainly 'Well Qualified'. It's about time a woman, a woman of color, be considered for Vice President or President!"