Asian Americans take centre stage in show of solidarity with Harris' campaign

In Asia, she is the face of US President Joe Biden's trade policy, drumming up enthusiasm for his signature Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity while fending off questions about the protectionist turn in Washington.

- Bhagyashree Garekar

At the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) caucus on Aug 21, held on the sidelines of the ongoing Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, Ambassador Katherine Tai went by the moniker "Cat Lady". It was a sly dig by the Democrat at the 2024 Republican vice-presidential candidate, Mr J.D. Vance.

Mr Vance has drawn heaps of criticism for a 2021 video interview in which he derided Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris as emblematic of "childless cat ladies" who do not have a "direct stake" in America.

Kitted out in pink and white tops that featured the character Hello Kitty at the back, Ms Tai, 50, was seated on a simple stage with two other senior White House advisers who were participating in the caucus in their personal capacities.

It was a powerful expression of solidarity: Three Asian-American women gathered to show support for the first Asian-American presidential candidate.

It was a visual that spoke volumes about the dramatic extent by which the distance to the White House has shrunk for the AsianAmerican community, acknowledged as the fastest-growing community in the US.

Ms Tai, the daughter of parents who were born in mainland China and grew up in Taiwan, was the first Asian-American woman appointed to a Cabinet-level position under Mr Biden. She became the first non-white woman to serve as the US trade representative in the position's 61-year history.

Next to her was Ms Julie Su, 55, the daughter of Chinese immigrants, a civil rights lawyer and acting labour secretary. "Julie is the American dream," Mr Biden said in March 2023 when he unveiled her nomination, which remains to be confirmed by the US Senate.

Mr Biden also made waves in the community when he appointed the third woman seated at the table: Ms Erika Moritsugu, the first White House senior liaison to Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities.