As the U.S. prepares to head to the polls, Kamala Harris is poised to make history as the country’s first female and Asian American president. In the final days leading up to the election, Harris remains focused on issues of democracy, women’s rights, and middle-class values, steering away from identity politics as she stands neck and neck with Donald Trump in swing states.
Celebrating a Momentous Campaign
On a crisp evening in Washington, DC, a young supporter, Kai Carter, joined a line of students near the White House, brimming with hope. “This is monumental,” she exclaimed, excited at the potential for Harris, a Howard University alumna, to break through historic barriers as the first Black female president of the United States.
Born to immigrant parents from India and Jamaica, Harris has already shattered barriers as vice-president and now stands ready to break even more if she wins on November 5.
Shifting Focus: Issues Over Identity
Unlike Hillary Clinton, who spotlighted gender in her 2016 run, Harris has largely avoided discussing her background, focusing instead on her commitment to all Americans. Addressing the crowd in DC, she framed the election as a choice between unity and division, underscoring that her priority is democracy, not identity.
“This election is about whether we root our country in freedom or chaos,” Harris stated, urging Americans to vote for stability and unity.
The Challenges of Identity Politics
Despite Harris’s approach, her identity has become a point of contention among opponents, with Donald Trump repeatedly stirring up racial undertones. From mispronouncing her name to questioning her heritage, some Republicans have used her background to attract media attention and distract from policy discussions.
Christina Reynolds of Emily’s List highlights that women—especially women of color—often face double standards. “They’re attacked personally, not on policies,” she noted, a familiar tactic that has been used against Harris.
A Champion for Women’s Rights
While Harris avoids framing her campaign in terms of gender, she is committed to advancing women’s rights. Following the 2022 reversal of Roe v. Wade, her pro-choice stance has only strengthened, with policies supporting women’s healthcare, parental leave, and Medicare expansion.
In one of her most compelling campaign moments, Harris rallied support for reproductive rights, declaring, “We are not going back.” Her plans aim to protect abortion access, birth control, and IVF, positioning her as a staunch defender of women’s rights.
A Pledge for Unity
Throughout her campaign, Harris has vowed to represent all Americans and put the country above political divides. At her final rally, Harris emphasized this commitment, promising to approach the presidency with a “to-do list” for unity, in contrast to Trump’s purported “enemies list.”
As Harris fights to overcome historic divides, the progress of female leaders in the U.S. is undeniable. Since 2017, the number of women in Congress has risen significantly, reflecting a gradual yet impactful shift in representation.
Americans Hold Their Breath
With Election Day around the corner, Harris’s historic potential remains a beacon for progress. Supporters like Elaine Callahan, an independent voter, find hope in Harris’s bid, though the memory of Clinton’s 2016 loss tempers their optimism.
As Harris’s campaign focuses on unity and democratic values, the nation waits in suspense to see if she will indeed become the first female president, finally breaking the highest glass ceiling in American politics.