Fred Harris: From Senator to Presidential Hopeful, a Life of Change

Fred Harris, an Oklahoma senator who once considered running for president, has passed away at the age of 94. His journey was a unique one, starting from humble beginnings as a sharecropper's son to becoming a prominent figure in Washington. In 1964, he filled the vacant Senate seat left by Robert S. Kerr's sudden death. Supporting President Lyndon B. Johnson and his Great Society programs, Harris was a favorite in Washington. He even came close to being Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey's running mate in 1968. Harris's views evolved significantly over time. Initially supporting the Vietnam War, he later advocated for troop reductions and eventually a withdrawal. His shift from moderate-conservative to liberal ideas was notable, especially as he addressed issues like racial equality and class struggle. He proposed radical changes, including higher taxes for the rich and stricter controls on big business. His 1976 presidential campaign was marked by populist themes. He wanted a "moral" foreign policy and an end to U. S. support for dictators. Despite his bold ideas, his campaign didn't gain enough traction in the primaries. Jimmy Carter secured the Democratic nomination and eventually won the presidency. After his political career, Harris became a professor of political science at the University of New Mexico. He enjoyed a quiet life, raising chickens on a farm in Corrales. His life was a testament to how one's beliefs and goals can evolve over time, from politics to a more peaceful, rural existence.