In an unexpected revelation thatâs sure to send shockwaves through the political world, a group of retired professors from Howard University have come forward to share what can only be described as a truly bizarre chapter in the history of the school: Vice President Kamala Harris, they claim, was their âworst student ever.â
Yes, you read that right. Kamala Harris, the woman currently a heartbeat away from the presidency and poised to potentially lead the free world, was apparently not just a bad student but the worst to ever grace the halls of Howard University. And these professors are not holding back.
âIt was like teaching a cat to play chess,â said Professor Emeritus Gerald Barnes, who still shakes his head whenever he recalls Harrisâs time in his Introduction to Political Science class. âKamala had this strange way of answering questions. If I asked her what the Constitution was, sheâd smile that famous smile of hers and say, âThe Constitution is a living document⌠full of potential, just like all of us.â I mean, what does that even mean?â
According to Barnes, Harris was notorious for her ability to speak at length without actually saying anything. âIâd ask her a simple question about the three branches of government, and by the end of her answer, weâd somehow be talking about jazz music and the importance of self-expression. I still donât know how she did it.â
Professor Meredith Johnston, who taught Harris in her Constitutional Law class, agreed. âKamala was the queen of answering a question with a question. Iâd ask her to define judicial review, and sheâd reply, âBut professor, shouldnât we first ask ourselves, what is justice?â It was maddening. And when Iâd press her for a straight answer, sheâd just laugh that signature laugh and say, âCome on, professor, donât be so serious!ââ
One of the most baffling aspects of Harrisâs academic career, according to her former professors, was her remarkable ability to dodge any real engagement with the material. âI once asked her to write a paper on the separation of powers,â said Professor Franklin Davis, now retired but still haunted by the experience. âShe turned in 12 pages on why power itself is an illusion, quoting Gandhi, Bob Dylan, and, for some reason, Kermit the Frog. I still donât understand what I was supposed to take away from that.â
Davis recalls how he tried to give Harris a chance to explain herself. âI called her into my office to discuss the paper, and instead of explaining her thesis, she spent 45 minutes talking about how much she admired strong women in historyâbefore asking if we could switch the topic to âthe role of women in the founding of the Constitution.â I mean, I appreciated her enthusiasm, but the girl just couldnât stay on track!â
Perhaps the most legendary story comes from Harrisâs time in her debate class, where she was supposed to argue for or against a proposed bill. Professor Judith Walters, who ran the course for 30 years, says she will never forget what happened when it was Kamalaâs turn to take the stage.