Remembering Fred Harris: A populist voice in American politics

Early Life and Political Beginnings

Fred Harris was born on November 13, 1930, in a modest two-room farmhouse in southwestern Oklahoma. Growing up in a household without electricity or running water, Harris learned the value of hard work from a young age. By the age of five, he was already helping on the family farm, earning a mere ten cents a day. His early experiences shaped his worldview, instilling in him a deep understanding of the struggles faced by the working class.

After completing his education at the University of Oklahoma, where he earned a law degree in 1954, Harris began his career in politics. He first entered the Oklahoma State Senate in 1956, where he served for eight years before moving on to the national stage. In 1964, he won a Senate seat, filling the vacancy left by the late Senator Robert S. Kerr. This marked the beginning of a significant political journey that would see him become a prominent voice for progressive values in America.

Advocacy and Legislative Impact

Throughout his time in the Senate, Harris was known for his populist approach to politics. He often described himself as a progressive, advocating for policies that supported the middle and working classes. In a 1998 interview, he stated, “I’m against concentrated power. I don’t like the power of money in politics.” This perspective guided his work on various issues, including civil rights and economic inequality.

Harris was a member of the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, commonly known as the Kerner Commission, which was established by President Lyndon Johnson to investigate the urban riots of the late 1960s. The commission’s 1968 report highlighted the growing divide in American society, stating, “our nation is moving toward two societies, one black, one white — separate and unequal.” Harris later co-authored a report reflecting on the commission’s findings, noting that the disparities it warned about had only worsened over the decades.

Legacy and Later Years

Despite a failed bid for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1976, which ultimately went to Jimmy Carter, Harris continued to influence American politics. After moving to New Mexico, he transitioned into academia, becoming a political science professor at the University of New Mexico. He authored and edited over a dozen books, contributing significantly to the discourse on politics and governance.

Harris’s commitment to social justice and equality remained steadfast throughout his life. He passed away at the age of 94, leaving behind a legacy that resonates with many who continue to fight for the rights of the underprivileged. His wife, Margaret Elliston, described him as a “wonderful and beloved man,” emphasizing the impact he had on those around him. As we remember Fred Harris, we reflect on his unwavering dedication to the principles of progressivism and the fight for a more equitable society.