Election Day is rapidly approaching, and it is vitally important that students recognize the consequential policy issues confronting voters and policymakers and why the stakes are so high, and why Vice President Kamala Harris is the clear choice for president.
While it may be tempting to feel complacent, remember that qualifications alone do not guarantee a win. Hillary Clinton’s defeat in 2016 is a harsh reminder that even the most qualified candidate can be defeated. We cannot afford to let history repeat itself. Even though it may seem like Harris has garnered widespread support and is on track to win, students, faculty, staff and administrators need to keep in mind that nothing is guaranteed in politics. The 2016 election taught us that even when it feels like victory is certain, unexpected outcomes can still occur.
Polls and endorsements can create a false sense of security which leads to complacency, and complacency could cost Harris the election. That is why none of us can afford to get comfortable or assume that a Harris’ victory is inevitable. Every vote counts, and every effort to support her campaign is crucial. Now, more than ever, it is important to become engaged, mobilize and ensure that we do not repeat past mistakes. The stakes are too high to take anything for granted.
Harris stands out for her proven track record of advocating for the rights of all Americans. Her leadership in areas such as criminal justice reform, healthcare and climate change showcases her commitment to the progressive values that resonate with many of us.
However, it is essential to acknowledge that as a woman of color, Harris faces challenges that go beyond policy debates. The odds are stacked against her in ways that her white male counterparts will never experience.
In a political landscape that has historically been unkind to women, and even more so to women of color, Harris’ candidacy represents a powerful challenge to the status quo. Her resilience, determination and success in overcoming these barriers make her an embodiment of the progress we strive for as a nation.
Comparing Harris to Clinton underscores the unique disadvantages Harris faces. Clinton, despite her long political career and deep connections within the Democratic Party, still faced intense scrutiny and bias, much of it rooted in gender. Yet, Harris must contend not only with gender biases but also with the pervasive racial prejudices that continue to influence American politics. While Clinton’s qualifications were questioned, Harris’ qualifications are scrutinized under the dual lens of race and gender, making her path to the presidency even more challenging.
Right-wing critics have often attempted to use Harris’ race and gender as a means to undermine her candidacy, portraying these aspects of her identity as liabilities rather than strengths. They have tried to stoke fear and prejudice by suggesting that her presidency would be overly focused on issues of race or gender, as if being a woman of color somehow disqualifies her from leading the nation.
Additionally, some have absurdly criticized Harris for not having children, ignoring the fact that many male presidents before her have also not had biological children, yet this has never been seen as a drawback to their ability to lead. These attacks reveal a deep-seated bias that seeks to hold Harris to a different standard simply because she does not fit the traditional mold of what people think a president should look like. Such criticisms are not only baseless but also indicative of the desperate attempts to detract from her qualifications and vision for the country.
Donald Trump’s presidency was marked by division, misinformation and policies that often benefited the wealthy and powerful at the expense of ordinary Americans. His administration’s approach to issues like healthcare, immigration and racial justice consistently undermined the very principles of equality and fairness that we, as Democrats, uphold.
Meanwhile, despite what Trump’s supporters might believe, he does not represent the middle class and has shown time and again that his interests lie primarily with the wealthy elite, like himself. Trump’s policies and actions during his presidency made it clear that he prioritizes the needs of the rich over those of ordinary Americans, further highlighting the stark contrast between him and a candidate like Harris, who genuinely cares about the well-being of all citizens.
Voting for Harris is not just about choosing the most qualified candidate; it is about standing up for a vision of America that embraces diversity, equity and justice. It is about recognizing the unique challenges she faces and supporting a leader who has consistently fought for the marginalized. As students, we are the future, and our voices matter. We cannot get comfortable or assume that justice will prevail on its own. We have to take action, vote for Harris and ensure that the future we want is the future we get.