Katie Porter Defends Kamala Harris

In the aftermath of widespread banking fraud, no executives faced imprisonment, and penalties imposed on companies were largely ineffective, leaving homeowners with minimal relief. Less than 10 percent of promised assistance was delivered, resulting in millions of families losing their homes, often illegally. Amid this crisis, Katie Porter, then a law professor at the University of California, Irvine, emerged as a key figure in the settlement process, ensuring that California received a significant portion of the principal reductions granted. Porter’s experience as California's monitor for the settlement was pivotal in her political career. She noted that the position was created at the behest of Kamala Harris, who was then the state attorney general. Despite initial resistance from banks, Porter sought guidance from Elizabeth Warren on how to effectively fulfill her role, which was primarily to track consumer relief credits. However, she transformed this limited mandate into a proactive initiative that genuinely aided homeowners. Porter emphasized the importance of Harris’s support in her efforts, stating that the credibility of Harris as a threat to the banks was crucial. She utilized her law students to enhance the monitoring program, fostering a sense of pride among them. Harris was actively involved in the process, participating in discussions with the national monitor to address issues, showcasing her commitment to the cause. Porter admires Harris’s willingness to engage with corporate leaders, a strategy she has sought to emulate in her own political endeavors.