In a podcast appearance, Vice President Kamala Harris opened up about her struggle with insomnia following President Biden's endorsement of her as his successor. Harris, 59, explained how the huge adjustment left her sleep-deprived during a pivotal period in her political career.
On the podcast "All The Smoke," which is hosted by former basketball players Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes, Harris talked about her experiences. She described the rush of feelings and actions that followed President Biden's announcement that he would not run for office again. This announcement set off a quick series of events that left Harris exhausted and feeling overpowered.
“I mean, it’s just like everything was in speedy, speedy motion, and I was not sleeping so well,” Harris said. The night before selecting her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Harris struggled to get a good night's sleep. She described waking up early that Tuesday morning, unable to rest. To calm her racing mind, she turned to cooking.
“I just got up and started marinating a pork roast,” she revealed. Cooking has become a personal coping mechanism for Harris, serving as a way to connect with voters and manage her stress. Her family visited that week, adding an element of comfort during a chaotic period.
Harris has frequently connected her political story to her passion for cooking. One of her outreach initiatives is to have meals with communities. She went to a Pittsburgh spice shop to prepare for her September 10 debate against former President Donald Trump, showcasing her strategy for winning over people.
Ahead of the election on November 5, the vice president's trip has been marked by tight polling with the 78-year-old Trump. Swing-state and national surveys indicate a close contest. She has to find appropriate coping mechanisms because this pressure is exacerbating her stress and sleeplessness.
In the podcast, Harris explained that she manages stress through daily morning exercise. “A prayer that comes in after that every day,” she added, outlining her routine.
Harris also provided advice on dealing with media attention. "Number one rule: don't read the comments," she said. Her grasp of the difficulties public people encounter, particularly in a high-stakes election season, is evident in this counsel.