#5 "Middle East & National Security" Halie Soifer, former Harris National Security Advisor and CEO, Jewish Democratic Council of America

100 Days of Kamala

In this episode of "100 Days of Kamala," host Priya David Clemens interviews Halie Soifer, CEO of the Jewish Democratic Council of America and former National Security Advisor to then-Senator Kamala Harris from 2017 to 2018. Halie remains close to Harris to this day and recently spent Passover in a small group with the Vice President at her official residence. Halie reflects on Kamala’s early days in Washington, sharing how she “quickly established herself as a force to be reckoned with” in the Senate. Halie describes Harris’s approach during hearings, noting how her “pointed and deliberate questioning often left Trump administration officials visibly unsettled,” showcasing her ability to navigate complex issues with precision.

The conversation also touches on Kamala’s personal side, with Halie recounting an unexpected phone call during a challenging time. “She reached out just to see how I was doing—when no one was watching, which speaks volumes about who she is,” Halie shares, adding a layer of depth to the public’s understanding of Kamala as both a leader and a person.

Halie also discusses Kamala's role on the Senate Intelligence Committee, where she played a pivotal part in the investigation into Russia’s interference in the 2016 election. “Much of the work was done behind closed doors, but her contributions were significant,” Halie explains, emphasizing how this experience helped shape Kamala’s views on national security.

The episode further explores Kamala's stance on Israel amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with Halie highlighting her “steadfast support for the U.S.-Israel relationship” and her nuanced approach to addressing complex international issues.

Halie also offers a glimpse into the partnership between Kamala and her husband, Doug Emhoff, sharing how they “support each other in every way,” and recalling a meaningful moment during a trip to Israel where Kamala “placed a kippah on Doug’s head with such care, preparing him for that special moment.”

This episode offers a rich tapestry of insights, quotes, and reflections from someone who worked closely with Kamala Harris during a formative period in her career, revealing both her professional rigor and her personal warmth.