California attorney general Kamala Harris featured in Harper's Bazaar

Kamala Harris, California's new attorney general was recently featured in Harper's Bazaar. Interviewed by former George Bush press secretary Dana Perino, "the female Barack Obama" talked about her latest win and what this means for her moving forward. 

Here is an excerpt from the interview:

DP: Congratulations on your recent victory. When did you know you wanted to be a lawyer and follow this profession?

KH: My parents met when they were graduate students at UC Berkeley in the 1960s. They were both active in the civil-rights movement. I thought that being a lawyer was one of the most wonderful, noble things one could do. Doing that work, I am a voice for the voiceless, and that’s what I’ve always wanted to be.

DP: I remember when I was acting press secretary; I took over for [the late] Tony Snow [in 2007] when he was sick. Margaret Spellings, who was then the secretary of education, called me and asked, “How you doing?” and I said, “Not very good. I’m so nervous.” And she said, “Well, put your big-girl panties on and deal with it.” Has there been anything like that for you?

KH: In high school, I was slacking off and not taking studying very seriously, and I remember my mom saying, “You need to start taking things seriously.” [I liked to cook] and she said, “If you want to cook, we will figure out a way to send you to Le Cordon Bleu, but don’t do anything half-assed.” That was her point. Don’t do anything half-assed.

DP: Much has been made of your being the first woman—and first minority—elected California attorney general. What was your reaction?

KH: I was also the first woman elected DA in San Francisco [in 2003], and reporters would ask, “What’s it like to be the first woman elected DA?” I’d say, “I don’t know how to answer that question. I’ve always been a woman, but I’m sure a man could do the job just as well.”

DP: Are there any women in politics whom you look up to now?

KH: Dianne Feinstein, Nancy Pelosi…

DP: [Pelosi] endorsed you right away.

KH: She did. Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama — who didn’t run for office but could have if she wanted to. Each of them is very smart but equally compassionate, and also each has a real way of encouraging other women and girls to advance and succeed.

To read more visit: Kamala Harris Interview: Dana Perino Talks to Kamala Harris - Harper's BAZAAR