Kamala Harris And The Debate That May Have Changed History (2 of 3)

What was the mistake that likely cost Cooley the election? 

During their little-watched debate, Cooley was asked if he would accept his district attorney retirement benefits (amounting to around $250,000 per year) if elected California attorney general. He casually replied that he would because he had earned it, and also criticized the $150,000 salary paid to the attorney general as being too low. This moment in the debate only lasted 47 seconds, but it might literally be the reason why Harris is currently the Democratic nominee for president. By insinuating that $150,000 wasn’t enough, Cooley opened up a can of worms and was never able to recover.

His attitude about potentially collecting a pension and salary tapped into a broader narrative about wealth, privilege, and the disconnect between politicians and the everyday struggles of voters. In a state like California, where income inequality and the cost of living are pressing issues, Cooley’s remarks resonated negatively with the electorate. It allowed Harris to frame herself as a champion of the people, someone who understood and empathized with the financial challenges faced by ordinary Californians.