How Harris built her political network as vice president

Before she became the Democratic nominee for president, there was a view of Vice President Kamala Harris among party elites and Washington insiders that she might not have what it takes to mobilize voters.

Her approval ratings were low. She'd been criticized not just by Republicans, but also by fellow Democrats, for miscues in her early days in the No. 2 job in government. She couldn't keep staff.

But while the Beltway set cemented its take on her, Harris builta formidable political network across the country and online. Her direct engagement with tens of thousands of political activists and voters — particularly through a tour of college campuses, events promoting reproductive rights and pushing an economic-empowerment agenda tilted toward the Black community — positioned Harris toenergize her party when she was tapped to top the ticket.

In other words, there was a ready core of Harris supporters ready to jump into action.

"She's been putting in the work, not just over the last few weeks, but the last few months, the last few years," said Rep. Steven Horsford, D-Nev., who recalls Harris meeting with culinary union workers — the most powerful labor group in his state — for back-of-the-hall tours, roundtables and a major address in January. "Those same workers are now showing up for her, you know, launching one of the largest ground campaigns I've seen. ... That's going to pay great dividends."

If Harris manages to winNevada for Democrats for a fifth straight election — despite most polls showing former President Donald Trump with a small lead — the 60,000-member culinary workers union’s turnout effort will be at the heart of the victory.

Her official schedule and campaign activities, which took her repeatedly to key