As Kamala Harris accepted the Democratic nomination on Thursday, she highlighted her background as a prosecutor, emphasizing her dedication to seeking justice in the name of the people rather than the victim. This strategic move aims to counter her opponent's accusations of the Democratic Party's alleged softness on crime. However, Harris faces an unexpected obstacle as her previous profession clashes with the negative perception of prosecutors created by Hollywood over the years.

While defense attorneys have been portrayed as heroic figures in popular film and television shows, prosecutors have often been relegated to second-tier roles or depicted as ineffective and cynical. For instance, iconic characters like Perry Mason and Atticus Finch have captured audiences' hearts with their independent pursuit of justice, while prosecutors are often portrayed as ineffectual or as obstacles in the legal system they are meant to uphold.

Despite occasional nuanced portrayals of prosecutors, such as Andy Garcia's character in Sidney Lumet's "Night Falls on Manhattan," such depictions pale in comparison to the heroic archetypes representing defense attorneys. The long-running series "Law & Order" perpetuated the image of jaded and hardened prosecutors like Jack McCoy, who often appeared disillusioned by the pursuit of convictions. Even a former assistant U.S. attorney wrote about his decision to leave the profession, citing a dislike for bullies.

Harris's embrace of her prosecutor background stirs up a challenging truth: entertainment has ingrained in society a bias against rooting for prosecutors. While sympathetic depictions of prosecutors like Jake Gyllenhaal's character in "Presumed Innocent" exist, they ultimately rely on defense attorneys to resolve legal woes, reinforcing the idea that prosecutors are unable to bring about justice alone.

The influence of Hollywood's portrayal of prosecutors extends beyond entertainment. Historically, former prosecutors who have run for president have had a challenging time winning the election. The only exception has been Bill Clinton, whose success may have been more despite his prosecutor background than because of it. In contrast, presidents associated with defending the downtrodden are often seen as social crusaders, such as Jefferson, Lincoln, and Obama.

However, in reality, prosecutors play a crucial role in the justice system, tackling cases against criminals ranging from predators to white-collar criminals. Harris herself has emphasized her accomplishments, prosecuting big banks, scamming colleges, elder abusers, and cartels. Yet, the popular image of prosecutors remains negative, as the American fascination with outlaws and underdogs clashes with the position of prosecutors who are backed by the government and bound by legal procedures.

Despite the challenges, Harris has worked to defy the stereotype associated with prosecutors. Her unique sense of humor, guard-down comments, and colorful memes have endeared her to many, standing in stark contrast to the rigid image often associated with her profession. Over the next 10 weeks, Harris will continue to challenge the popular perception of prosecutors as she seeks to win the upcoming presidential election. Whether her efforts to reshape the image of a compelling on-screen prosecutor translate into electoral success will only be revealed in November.