With impeccable timing and a palpable excitement, Kamala Harris has become the replacement candidate for the Democratic party after Joe Biden so graciously bowed out.
It was something pundits speculated, the people begged for, and seemed to be the only logical move for the Dem party after a number of events that began to make us all question Biden’s ability to aptly fulfill the strenuous duties of Commander in Chief. The abysmal debate last month was the proverbial nail in the coffin that left too much uncertainty and plainly doubt. The reality of winning in November was a distant possibility and voting a choice between fascism and a candidate that seemed to be on the verge of collapse but a necessary (and only) alternative. All the election boiled down to was preserving democracy and not allowing a criminal to institute cruel policies and unfathomable restrictions on human rights. The fire that burned in the last election was extinguished and replaced with extreme desperation. And then Joe made the announcement we were all hoping he would make. He eloquently put in his resignation letter for reelection and dropped the mic. Then immediately endorsed Harris as the nominee.
I remember where I was when it happened. It was Sunday. I was on the bus home from a really nice weekend and my friend tapped me on the shoulder while I was zoning out the window and showed me the headline. I immediately took to Twitter (YES TWITTER) and read Biden’s statement and was at first like, oh no chaos, but then he endorsed Kamala. A soothing wave of relief washed over me and something I didn’t think could ever be present this election season, excitement and hope. I was actually excited, which is strange because I remember having a conversation earlier this year about prospective replacements and Harris just didn’t seem like a particularly good choice. However, that was a completely different time (feels like a lifetime ago) and much of the nonsense hadn’t happened yet that puts so much into perspective. Now, I can’t even imagine not being pumped about her being president.
The first Black and Indian American president. It is about damn time, America. Seeing all of the support pour out for her has been so invigorating and I am so floored by how quickly and efficiently the party has pivoted and thrown their weight behind her. So many fundraisers, calls to action, honest conversations have taken place so quickly. There is also some healthy skepticism that is being met with understanding, facts, and being taken into consideration as the campaign continues to find its footing. This in particular has given me hope because people keep comparing this election to Hillary’s where we all assumed her win but didn’t take into account undecided voters and the numbers on the other side. The “silent majority” is what these whackos call themselves who surprisingly voted for Trump in 2016, but there is a huge spotlight on this group now. Never again can the Dems be blindsided by these cultist Trumpites. Also, Hillary did win the popular vote so…. again these Trumpers continue to make stuff up to fit their warped narratives.
I was speaking to a friend yesterday and they confessed they have little faith in this country to do the right thing. We talked about how we could still feel the disappointment of 2016 and how surreal it is that Donald Trump was ever president. The electoral college also came up but that’s a whole other blog post. All this to say is I understand my friend’s sentiment and I’m sure there are plenty of others who feel the same way. While it’s refreshing to have a new, younger candidate of color, we are still living in America which is not nearly as progressive or open-minded as I would like. It’s easy to get swept up in the bubble that is NYC but the nice “mind your business” ideology doesn’t transfer to all 50 states and there are major pockets of bigotry and religious extremism that still consider Trump their literal savior. He somehow is going to preserve the sanctity of marriage and “family values” even though he’s gone through a few divorces and brags about grabbing women by their private parts. Not to mention his extensive criminal record, CONVICTIONS, and known slimy business dealings. I truly believe people just like him because he’s loud and isn’t overtly intelligent and speaks in a way that is familiar and accessible. People like him because he seems like a regular person. A terrible regular person, but regular nonetheless. I could honestly see the appeal if there weren’t a bagillion other horrible things about him like how he’s a racist, sexist, fascist, insecure, fragile narcissist.
Anyway, back to being excited about voting for a woman. A woman who would blow his tiny hands out of the water should there be another debate. A woman who has scores more tangible experience even though he was president (he sucked at it, lest we not forget). A woman who is just so much cooler than him in every way possible. A woman who has on multiple occasions insisted on the importance of bodily autonomy and has not once mentioned grabbing any of it. A woman who is ready to fight the good fight.
It’s great because the Republicans were really banking on campaigning agains old Joe, but have no idea what to do to combat the sizable, continuous support being thrown behind Kamala Harris. I’m so curious who her running mate will be. No matter who I can’t imagine them being more of a disaster than JD Vance. What another surprising addition to this dog and pony show. He is certainly not helping the Republicans, and I heard the internet ridicule is making Trump furious. I love that for him.
May we ride this coconut waive to victory. This November has gotten infinitely more interesting. 🥥
Let’s close out this Brat girl summer strong.