Choosing between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris often feels like picking between a dumpster fire and a rainstorm—neither perfect, but one certainly less likely to burn down the whole neighborhood. Trump, the “evil” in this tale, has made a name for himself with exclusionary policies, moral defects, and a near pathological commitment to “us vs. them” thinking. Whether it’s his racist rhetoric, xenophobic policies, or refusal to acknowledge basic human rights, Trump often plays the villain in this modern political drama.
Kamala Harris, on the other hand, despite being far from the perfect hero—grappling with the complexities of her party’s platform, her past prosecutorial decisions, and her place in a historically male-dominated political system—has policies that actually resonate with most Americans. A blind study shows 80% of the public supports her stance on key issues. Her identity as a woman of color in a high office adds layers of nuance, complexity, and representation, runs counter to the exclusionary and divisive narrative of Trump’s worldview. So, while Harris might not be your first choice for sainthood, she’s a heck of a lot better than the alternative—especially if your idea of leadership involves less chaos and more inclusivity. This last Tuesday confirms that Americans actively seek chaos.
Why Should Kamala Harris Have Won? Oh, let’s count the ways.
Why Should Kamala Harris Have Won? Oh, let’s count the ways. First, she came with a resume that would make most career politicians green with envy—progressive credentials, a history of breaking glass ceilings, and compassionate policy decisions that, if implemented fully, could have made real differences in people’s lives. Yes, there were problems—people were still struggling, and inflation was biting. That said, the road from policy proposal to real change is a long one. There should be some acknowledgment that the machinations of government and dueling political parties threw up obstacle after obstacle, and like a car stuck in traffic slowed down progress. Biden administration was at least checking policy successes off its list, and trying for the American people even if they couldn’t always stick the landing. The path from idea to implementation is always a marathon, not a sprint. The groundwork was there, and Harris had the experience to not only pick up the Biden baton, but the vision to make adjustments and keep pushing forward.
And yet, she lost. To Donald Trump, no less—a man whose resume’s most notable achievements include a smorgasbord of controversies that would normally disqualify a person from running for the local PTA, let alone the presidency. We’re talking about convictions that hit the trifecta of felonies, sexual assault allegations, and accusations of business corruption that could fill volumes. And let’s not forget his cameo role in the January 6th Insurrection—an event that’s about as conducive to democratic stability as a bull in a china shop.
So why didn’t Kamala sail into victory? Well, we live in a world where some still think “President” sounds odd before “her” and not “him.” Despite massive support from Black men and women, giving her a resounding vote of confidence, it seems the barrier of race and gender in our still-very-patriarchal society proved too much. It appears that some voters, when push comes to shove, just couldn’t get on board with the idea of a woman running the show—especially if she’s also a person of color.
What’s more, battling against a political provocateur like Trump—who, let’s face it, could sell snow to Eskimos (or at least claim he could and have millions believe him)—Harris’s straightforward, pragmatic approach might have lacked the theatrical flair needed to capture the imaginations (or indignations) of the broader electorate.
We live in a world where some still think “President” sounds odd before “her” and not “him.”
Kamala Harris should have won. She had the toolkit, the backing, and the high road. But it turned out that high roads are less traveled for a reason. They’re steep, my friends, and not everyone’s ready for the climb.
Ah, the 2024 tale of what could have been—Kamala Harris versus Donald Trump. Now, there’s a screenplay begging to be written, but instead of a heroic climax, we’ve got a plot twist that even M. Night Shyamalan might call “a bit much.”
