Ross Burkhart, a professor of political science in the School of Public Service, was quoted in an article published by Público, a daily national newspaper published in Lisbon, Portugal. The article is titled “Biden escolhe Kamala Harris, a primeira mulher negra candidata a ‘vice’ dos EUA,” translated as “Biden chooses Kamala Harris, the first Black woman to run for U.S. Vice-President.”
Burkhart was quoted on the impact and significance of picking Senator Harris for vice president. He noted the historical aspect of the pick as the first Black woman to be selected as a vice-presidential nominee, as well as the political significance of Black women being a loyal constituency in the Democratic Party. He also suggested that Senator Harris’s strong communication and debating skills, as well as her national name recognition, made her a safe choice for the former vice president.