Kamala Harris Reveals Grueling Vetting Process, Post-Election “Gold Medal Depression”
Vice President Kamala Harris disclosed today the remarkably intense scrutiny she faced during her vetting for the vice presidency, alongside a surprising revelation about a phenomenon she calls “gold medal depression” – a post-achievement emptiness experienced even after winning.
Harris recounted a nine-hour interview with a lawyer who meticulously reviewed her taxes, professional record, and personal history during a recent appearance on the Diary of a CEO podcast. Despite a distinguished career including two terms as San Francisco District Attorney, six years as California Attorney General, and four years as a U.S. Senator representing California – making history as the first woman, Black, and South Asian attorney general in the state – the selection process extended far beyond a review of her qualifications. This level of scrutiny highlights the rigorous standards applied to candidates for the nation’s highest offices.
“Having been in the position of both being the interviewer and the interviewee, it really as much as anything comes down to chemistry,” Harris explained. “Because by the time that that interview is happening, it’s usually narrowed down to about three people. So all the vetting has been done.” She emphasized the importance of trust and partnership, stating, “It has to be where you feel that you can trust someone, you could work with them, you’re doing it for the same reasons.” Harris also described experiencing “gold medal depression” after both wins and losses, including following her 2024 presidential bid against Donald Trump. This phenomenon, similar to what some CEOs experience after an IPO, involves a sudden drop in adrenaline and a feeling of emptiness after a period of intense competition – a concept explored further in research on post-success depression.
Harris likened the feeling after the 2024 election loss to a “phantom limb,” admitting she “had a hard time reconciling [that] we can’t still do something about it” for days. The White House has not yet commented on the Vice President’s remarks, but mental health professionals suggest acknowledging these feelings is crucial for leaders navigating high-pressure environments. You can learn more about managing stress and mental wellbeing here.
