In a revealing and deeply personal account, former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has spoken candidly about the emotional toll of her historic political ascent — from enduring a grueling nine-hour interview process to become Joe Biden’s running mate, to confronting what she calls “gold medal depression” even after achieving one of the highest offices in the world.
Harris, who made history in 2020 as the first woman, first Black American, and first South Asian American to serve as Vice President, reflected on her journey during a recent interview about leadership, resilience, and the paradox of success. Her comments have sparked widespread discussion about the hidden emotional and psychological costs of ambition, particularly among high-achieving women in politics and public life.
“When you spend years chasing a goal that defines your identity — and then you achieve it — there’s this strange silence that follows,” Harris said. “You think it will feel like victory, but what you actually feel is… emptiness. It’s the gold medal depression — the realization that the thing you thought would complete you doesn’t.”
The term “gold medal depression” — often used by elite athletes who struggle emotionally after major triumphs — resonates with Harris’s description of her experience following the 2020 election. Despite the global celebration that surrounded her historic win, Harris revealed that the weeks after inauguration were among the most difficult of her life. “You go from fighting every day for something to suddenly living in the achievement of it,” she said. “The adrenaline stops. The world cheers, but inside, you’re asking yourself, ‘Now what?’”
Her remarks pull back the curtain on a side of political success rarely discussed publicly. Behind the polished speeches and ceremonial moments, Harris described the constant pressure, scrutiny, and expectation that come with leadership — and how the climb to power can leave even the most resilient figures emotionally drained.
She recounted the intense selection process for the vice presidency, describing it as one of the most difficult “interviews” of her career. Over nine hours, she faced relentless questioning from advisors, strategists, and Biden’s inner circle about her record, temperament, and compatibility with the presidential candidate. “It wasn’t just about politics — it was about trust, loyalty, and character,” Harris said. “They wanted to know who I was when the cameras weren’t on.”
That exhaustive process, she added, tested her both intellectually and emotionally. “You sit in that room for hours, being dissected — every decision, every vote, every word you’ve ever said,” she recalled. “It forces you to confront parts of yourself you’d rather not look at.”
After she was chosen as Biden’s running mate, Harris said the weight of expectations only grew. Her campaign trail was a whirlwind of travel, media attention, and historic symbolism. “I understood that I wasn’t just running for office — I was carrying generations of hope on my shoulders,” she said. “Every woman, every girl of color, every immigrant’s daughter — I felt their eyes on me.”
But even as she achieved what once seemed impossible, Harris admitted that victory did not bring the fulfillment she expected. “The night we won, I smiled for the cameras, I hugged my husband, I thanked the team — but deep inside, I felt a strange sense of loss,” she said. “I had spent so long fighting for something that once I had it, I didn’t know who I was without the fight.”
Psychologists say Harris’s experience is not uncommon among high achievers. Success at the highest level often comes with emotional burnout, identity disorientation, and what experts describe as “achievement fatigue.” The sense of purpose that drives individuals to succeed can dissipate once the goal is reached, leaving behind a void that’s difficult to fill.
For Harris, that moment of emptiness ultimately became a turning point. She says it forced her to redefine what success meant beyond titles and accolades. “I had to remember why I started — to serve, to create opportunity, to fight for fairness,” she said. “The power itself was never the goal. The purpose was.”
Since leaving office, Harris has taken a more reflective tone in her public appearances, focusing on mentorship, leadership development, and mental wellness — especially for women in high-pressure environments. She has also emphasized the importance of acknowledging vulnerability as part of leadership. “You can’t lead others if you’re disconnected from your own humanity,” she said. “Real strength isn’t about never feeling doubt. It’s about showing up anyway.”
Her honesty about the emotional side of political life has resonated with many, particularly in a world that often equates success with unshakable confidence. Harris’s reflection serves as a reminder that even those who achieve history-making victories are not immune to moments of inner struggle.
In the end, she says, the greatest lesson of her journey has been learning to embrace stillness after the storm. “For so long, my life was about the next battle — the next debate, the next election,” Harris said. “Now, I’m learning that real peace doesn’t come from winning. It comes from knowing who you are when the noise fades.”
