Kamala Harris: A Personal Take from Across the Pond

While the political drama in the UK can be intense, the US always takes it to another level. My perspective is shaped by these experiences, and I have strong opinions about the upcoming election, even though I cannot vote in it.

President Joe Biden recently announced he would not run for re-election, throwing his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris. “My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best decision I’ve made,” Biden wrote on X. “Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this.”

With Biden out, Harris is now the party’s presumptive nominee, though others may still join the race. Her candidacy is historic: she would be the first woman, the first Black woman, and the first person of Asian descent to hold the highest office in the land.

Harris’s tenure as Vice President has been challenging, marred by low approval ratings and a tough policy portfolio. She has tackled politically tricky issues, such as the root causes of immigration, which has brought her both praise and criticism.

Her difficulty finding her footing has raised concerns about her ability to replace Biden. Some Democrats had even floated other names like Gretchen Whitmer or Gavin Newsom. But after Biden’s halting performance in a debate with Trump, the party began to rally around Harris.

Harris has access to the Biden-Harris campaign’s funds and infrastructure, and prominent Democrats are backing her. A Democratic strategist mentioned that she would enjoy broad support from young voters and other factions that have soured on Biden.

However, Harris faces significant challenges. Her 2020 campaign ended early, and she struggled with organizational and financial issues. Born to an Indian mother and Jamaican father, Harris rose from local prosecutor to California’s attorney general and then to the Senate. Her time as attorney general, characterized by a “tough on crime” agenda, has provided fodder for critics.

Harris has a compelling story and a solid record to campaign on, including Biden’s economic successes and legislative achievements. She has also improved as a campaigner, especially on issues like the end of Roe v. Wade, which disproportionately affects Black women.

Still, Harris’s past as a prosecutor could haunt her. Critics from both the left and the right could use her record against her. While her past may have hurt her during the 2020 campaign, it is unclear how it will play in a general election.

From my perspective, Harris represents a significant improvement over Trump. As a bisexual woman who believes in the right to choose, I find Trump’s policies deeply troubling. While I have issues with Harris, she is a better choice for those who care about protecting women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial equality.

Harris’s candidacy is historic and important, but she is not without flaws. Her tendency to shift her stance on issues and her aggressive approach to crime are concerning. However, her experience and the current political climate might make her the best candidate to face Trump.

As much as I would love to see a female president and as much as I do not want to see another Trump presidency, I cannot ignore Harris’s serious flaws. Yet, I believe in her potential to fight for Americans’ rights and to stand up to Trump. For those who care about maintaining their rights and freedoms, I urge you to vote for Democrats this autumn. #Harris2024