Former US Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff were spotted shopping at a grocery store on Thursday, carrying their purchases in plastic bags.
Harris, aged 60, who previously advocated for banning plastic straws during her 2019 presidential campaign, was seen at the 99 Ranch Market Asian Grocery store in Westwood, California, as she adjusts to life outside the office.
Emhoff, 60, was noticed acknowledging onlookers while shopping with the 49th vice president, who is well-known for her cooking abilities.
During a CNN town hall in 2019, Harris supported prohibiting plastic straws as part of her environmental platform, saying, “I think we should,” while noting paper straws needed improvement. “We do need to ban the plastic.”
Harris later withdrew her stance on plastic straw prohibition during her brief 107-day campaign as the 2024 Democratic presidential candidate. This shift represented one of several instances where she moved towards moderate positions, departing from her previous progressive stances during her unsuccessful 2020 campaign, which ended before the Iowa caucuses due to declining poll numbers and funding issues.
Her shopping excursion generated significant social media attention, drawing various comments:
“Why is she using plastic bags?,” one user questioned.
“Oh, she is capable of going shopping like normal people? What a surprise!,” one user commented on the video.
“She finally realises how high she made grocery prices,” another wrote.
“Oh she went to a grocery store In denim! So American lol,” another commented.
Harris and Emhoff returned to California on Monday following President Trump’s inauguration. Residents in her affluent Brentwood neighbourhood have expressed concerns about increased traffic congestion since her return.
Following her November defeat by Trump, Harris has remained reserved about her future plans. She has emphasised her commitment to “stay in the fight” and refuses to “go quietly into the night.”
Analysts suggest three potential paths: pursuing California’s governorship, preparing for a 2028 presidential bid, or retiring from public office. Despite her previous role as California senator, both senate seats are currently occupied, complicating a potential return.
The gubernatorial position will be available in 2026 when Democratic governor Gavin Newsom reaches his term limit.