'Proud moment’ – Sen. Harris as Biden's VP pick excites some immigrants on Long Island

Sen. Kamala Harris being chosen as Joe Biden’s running mate in the 2020 presidential election was received with excitement from immigrant groups on Long Island.

News 12 Staff

•

Aug 12, 2020, 9:26 PM

•

Updated 1,595 days ago

Share:

More Stories

0:22

Bill Clinton is out of the hospital after being treated for the flu

15h ago

0:17

Spokesperson: Former President Bill Clinton in hospital for testing and observation

yesterday

10:27

Power & Politics: A look back at 2024's biggest political stories

2ds ago

President Biden signs bill that averts government shutdown and brings a close to days of Washington upheaval

3ds ago

0:36

FAA to grant flight restrictions over NY's 'critical infrastructure sites' amid drone activity

5ds ago

10:04

Power & Politics: 1:1 with Rep. Andrew Garbarino; Gov. Hochul’s approval numbers

9ds ago

0:22

Bill Clinton is out of the hospital after being treated for the flu

15h ago

0:17

Spokesperson: Former President Bill Clinton in hospital for testing and observation

yesterday

10:27

Power & Politics: A look back at 2024's biggest political stories

2ds ago

President Biden signs bill that averts government shutdown and brings a close to days of Washington upheaval

3ds ago

0:36

FAA to grant flight restrictions over NY's 'critical infrastructure sites' amid drone activity

5ds ago

10:04

Power & Politics: 1:1 with Rep. Andrew Garbarino; Gov. Hochul’s approval numbers

9ds ago

Sen. Kamala Harris being chosen as Joe Biden’s running mate in the 2020 presidential election was received with excitement from immigrant groups on Long Island.

Harris is the daughter of immigrant parents – she is of Indian and Jamaican dissent.

Shashi Malik, of the India Association of Long Island, called it a “proud moment.”

undefined

“She has to show what she will do for the United States and how she will bring the harmony and the unity in this country where we are so divided at this time,” said Malik. “I think it's the right time to bring that diversity in.”

State Sen. Kevin Thomas, the first Indian American senator elected in New York, said there is a responsibility that goes along with being the first. He is convinced Sen. Harris is up to the task.

MORE: Biden picks Sen. Kamala Harris as running mate

Paulette Williams, who was born and raised in Jamaica, told News 12, she was thrilled with Sen. Harris after seeing her debate Biden in the primaries.

“It's very exciting. She's very intelligent. She's very articulate. She's strong…I'm all for it,” she said.

Not everyone is impressed with the pick.

“She doesn't help him electorally in any way. And she's from a law enforcement background…It could end up depressing some of the vote that he very much needs to excite to win,” said political consultant Mike Dawidziak.

Sen. Harris is the third woman, the first Asian American and the first African American to be chosen as a vice presidential candidate for a major political party.

More from News 12

0:20