Opinion | Kamala Harris: Cleaning Up Joe Biden's Mess

This opinion piece explores the challenges Kamala Harris faces as she addresses the aftermath of Joe Biden's presidency. It delves into the complexities and responsibilities Harris must navigate while attempting to rectify issues left unresolved by Biden. The article provides insights into her efforts to manage the political, social, and economic mess, highlighting the significant burden she carries and the strategies she employs to steer the nation towards stability and progress.

"We did it, Joe," exclaimed the 49th Vice-President of the United States four years ago—a phrase that became a rallying cry, spoken by a woman of Black and Indian heritage, married to a Jewish-American man. This moment marked a significant point in US sociopolitical history. Despite its celebratory moments, American democracy still has much progress to make in representation and inclusivity. Gender biases in the US, as in emerging democracies, effectively keep women from the top positions.

Can Kamala Harris succeed in her quest for the Oval Office? The odds are against her, starting with the delayed announcement of her candidacy. With less than a month before the Democratic convention to secure her spot, Harris faces an uphill battle. While her funding numbers are promising, money alone can't win attitudinal and ideological battles.

Women And Politics Firstly, there's an issue with voter recall. Studies (J Hitchon & C Chang, 1995) have shown that voters remember women candidates for their family and appearance, while men are remembered for their campaign activities. Harris has used this tendency to her advantage by emphasizing her family background. However, in a deeply polarized American society currently experiencing a backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), this strategy might no longer be effective.

American women have consistently voted at higher rates than men for over four decades, demonstrating they are not less political. However, they still do not send enough women to political offices. Women candidates are penalized for showing emotions, particularly anger. Harris has tried to keep her 'anger' in check, often resulting in banalities in her public speeches, making her a frequent target for memes. Whether this is a deliberate strategy remains to be seen.

"Too Coloured", "Not Coloured Enough" Harris was only the second Black woman elected to the US Senate, highlighting a fact Americans cannot be proud of. Malcolm X's 1962 statement, "The most disrespected person in America is the Black woman," remains relevant today based on critical indices like education, healthcare, and wages. Harris has overcome significant racial and gender discrimination. Her presidential win would be more significant than Barack Obama's in terms of race in America. Despite the 'Black Lives Matter' movement, American society struggles to find balance. Anti-DEI activists now effectively punish those who don't adhere to supremacist views.

Harris is also half-Indian, celebrated from New Delhi to Chennai. As the Indian population in the US grows, so do their political aspirations. Cultural, regional, and religious associations have increased Indian Americans' political influence. However, this has caused resentment among some Whites and even among some Black Americans. Harris, being of mixed heritage, faces unique challenges—seen as both too coloured and not coloured enough.

A Course-Correction Too Late 2024 is not 2018 when a surge for Democrats, especially women candidates of various ethnicities, sent several Democratic women to Congress. The Republican campaign benefits from Biden administration's foreign policy mistakes, particularly regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict, leading even loyal Democratic voters to dissent. An assassination attempt on Donald Trump has also boosted his chances.

Choosing Harris over Biden is a tactical course correction for Democrats, but it may have come too late. Her strengths might not be fully utilized, and her weaknesses are evident. During her VP tenure, she bears the blame but reaps no benefits.

Harris is in the unenviable position of cleaning up after a man. If she triumphs, it will be her personal victory, not the party's.

For questions or comments write to writers@bostonbrandmedia.com

Source: NDTV‍