If You’re Worried Kamala Harris Can’t Win, Listen to This

During her first run for the presidency, Kamala Harris developed a reputation as an uncertain candidate who “didn’t quite know what she wanted to say and what she stood for,” the writer Nicole Allan says. But, Allan argues, Californians know another Harris: a forceful, charismatic and accomplished prosecutor who can effectively debate and defeat someone like Donald Trump. If Harris embraces her prosecutor persona this election, “She should have a stronger chance than many people give her credit for,” Allan says.

(A full transcript of this audio essay will be available within 24 hours of publication in the audio player above.)

Credit…Illustration by The New York Times; photograph by Andrew Harnik/Getty

Thoughts? Email us at theopinions@nytimes.com.

This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Jillian Weinberger. It was edited by Kaari Pitkin and Alison Bruzek. Mixing by Pat McCusker. Original music by Carole Sabouraud, Isaac Jones and Pat McCusker. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker and Kate Sinclair. Audience strategy by Kristina Samulewski and Shannon Busta. The executive producer of Opinion Audio is Annie-Rose Strasser.

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips. And here’s our email: letters@nytimes.com.

Follow the New York Times Opinion section on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, X and Threads.