Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris
Photo : AP
With the slow ascension of Kamala Harris from a California Senator to being the Vice President and now to being the Democratic presidential nominee, one name has remained constant behind the scenes: Laurene Powell Jobs, former wife of Steve Jobs, and one of the wealthiest persons in the Silicon Valley. Powell Jobs has been a source of significant counsel and financial support in Harris’s life.
Over the years, Powell Jobs has quietly emerged as a powerful player cementing Harris’s rise, contributing millions to organisations which back her. “Laurene has a gift for friendship,” David Bradley, who sold The Atlantic to Powell Jobs, told the New York Times. “Kamala Harris falls within that ring of friends,” he added.
Powell Jobs and Harris’s friendship spans decades. Powell Jobs supported Harris early in her career. They attended political marches together, with Powell Jobs even being present at Harris’s 2014 wedding. The NYT report states that the two women have shared personal moments and travelled together, with Powell Jobs even offering Harris her private jet for trips.
Powell Jobs has maintained a low profile as far as politics is concerned. During Harris’s 2019 presidential campaign, she did not play a significant role either, wanting to portray herself as non-partisanal being the head of a media company. Her involvement since has, however, deepened.
Powell Jobs hosted fundraisers and provided behind-the-scenes support, especially as Harris faced public scrutiny during her tenure as the Vice-President.
Powell Jobs’s influence extends beyond financial support, people who have observed them say. She has pushed for stronger Democrat backing of Harris during controversies and has engaged with other wealthy donors to support Harris’s campaigns. There are speculations that Powell Jobs could even take a formal role in the government – perhaps in education – if Harris were to become the President.
Powell Jobs hasn’t ruled it out either. “It’s not my intention,” she said during a 2022 interview. She, however, added, “But I would not necessarily shy away from another opportunity.”
