Kamala Harris, who is Joe Biden’s ‘running mate’ in the November elections, maintains close ties to the Greek American community.
It’s for this reason one of the most prominent members of that community, California Lieutenant Govenor Eleni Kounalakis, ‘went rogue’ back in late July to get Harris selected as Biden’s Vice President.
In fact, according to POLITICO, Kounalakis and other staunch allies of Harris, grew incensed by reports that a top member of Biden’s vetting team, former Senator Chris Dodd, complained to a donor that Harris had shown “no remorse” for her surprise attack on Biden in a Democratic debate last year.
This prompted Kounalakis to reach out to more than a dozen current and former California officials, mayors, and labor union and business leaders to demand a conference call with Biden’s campaign team. No other vice presidential candidate was afforded such a meeting.
“We went rogue,” Kounalakis told the media outlet. “There’s no question about it.”
“We felt the need to talk directly about who Kamala Harris is and how much support she has in California.”
The teleconference lasted 45 minutes and, according to US media, influenced Biden in his final choice.
‘Harris is an incredible friend, who never forgets your birthday’:
It should come as no surprise that Kounalakis and Harris are close friends. Harris was not only a strong supporter of Kounalakis becoming the first woman elected as the Lieutenant Governor of California in 2019, but they are also both children of immigrants.
Kounalakis is the daughter of real estate agent, Angelos Tsakopoulos, originally from Arcadia, who is one of the most powerful Greeks in America.
Harris is the child of Jamaican and Indian immigrants.
“Harris and I have been friends for many years. Like me, she is the daughter of immigrants and has lived the California dream,” Kounalakis told iefimerida.
“She is a hardworking, wonderful and honorable public servant. At the same time, she is an incredible friend who never forgets your birthday.”
A dynamic duo with the world at their feet.
