Just three weeks ago, I wrote an opinion piece questioning President Biden’s competency as president. Now, we see this question answered—he has dropped out of the running, endorsing Vice President Harris as his presidential nominee. While admirable, Biden’s delayed exit leaves VP Harris with just three months to campaign and make her case to the American people.
The Historic Opportunity:
As a woman, it would be powerful to see Kamala Harris win. She has already shattered numerous barriers as a politician, and making the White House her home would be a historic achievement. It would pave the way for greater reproductive rights protections, women’s empowerment initiatives, and, as a woman of color, she would bring a heightened awareness of minority issues to the presidency.
The Reality:
Despite society’s progress, it remains imperfect and often unfair. The prospect of a woman president, while anticipated by some, still faces significant setbacks. For ages, women have been labeled as ‘weak,’ ‘emotional,’ and ‘unprepared.’ These stereotypes are likely to surface during Harris’s campaign, potentially undermining her credibility.
Haters have already begun to attack her personal life, noting that she isn’t the birth mother of her children and suggesting this makes her ‘less of a woman.’ This criticism is ironic, given that no President before her has not birthed a child either.
However, the public’s view of her isn’t the only challenge. Harris’s personality and past actions have also come under scrutiny. Critics argue that she can come across as too harsh or insincere, traits that are often judged more harshly in women than in men.
Public Perception:
Harris’s approach to complex issues and her ability to connect with everyday Americans will be pivotal. She must navigate a media landscape that often scrutinizes women more intensely than their male counterparts. Additionally, her tenure as Vice President has been marked by a mix of accomplishments and controversies, sometimes proving her opponents' claims right.
Her Efforts and Accomplishments:
Harris’s significant efforts as Vice President have often been overshadowed by her role supporting President Biden. Nevertheless, she has tackled many issues and approached numerous challenges:
Voting Rights Advocacy - Harris has been a vocal advocate for voting rights, pushing for legislation to protect these rights amid restrictive state laws.
Infrastructure Bill - She was instrumental in advocating for and helping pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which aims to improve the nation’s infrastructure.
Climate Change - Harris has actively approached climate change issues, promoting the Build Back Better Plan and supporting policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to clean energy.
Given these accomplishments, it’s clear that those calling her ‘unprepared’ are unaware of her extensive qualifications and aim to better our country.
Let’s Get to Work:
In her own words, “let’s get to work.” The only way we can lead her to victory is by working together. As the next generation of voters, it’s in our hands not only to vote but also to encourage our peers to exercise their right to vote.
Here is an article that details how and when to vote, as well as what you should know before voting.
Another way to help is by volunteering at polls. Many schools and universities serve as voting centers, and participants and volunteers not only help ensure honest voting but also make voters feel more confident and at ease with their vote.
If we can inspire our friends and loved ones to vote—for our sake and theirs—we can ensure a brighter future and a better life.
So, Can She Do It?
Despite hardships on her way to the White House, Harris has a unique opportunity to inspire a new side of the presidency and American democracy. Her campaign team ought to use her trailblazing career and personal story to inspire voters. Her commitment to addressing inequality, healthcare, and climate change, which Harris, as the first female Vice President, is the first woman in power to demonstrate, is a testiment to the President she would become.
While her campaign is filled with challenges, her potential to make history and effect meaningful change remains undeniable, and the fight towards women’s equality in the U.S. has certainly never been more evident.
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