Kamala Harris: Navigating Gender and Race in Politics

Kamala Harris's ascent as the Democratic presidential nominee has reignited discussions around gender and race in politics. Since securing her nomination, Harris has encountered a barrage of criticism echoing sentiments experienced by Hillary Clinton in 2016. Notable attacks accuse Harris of lacking competence and question her character, with harsh suggestions that her relationship with former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown paved her political path. The past eight years have seen a cultural shift regarding women's representation, particularly following significant movements like MeToo and the Women’s March, which mobilized voters and increased female representation in Congress. While some Republicans have attempted to delegitimize Harris's candidacy by labeling her a 'diversity hire,' polling suggests she has gained traction among Democratic voters, particularly younger women. As Harris strives to secure support in pivotal states such as Michigan and Pennsylvania, her campaign has adjusted its strategies, opting for a more confident and less reactive approach than Clinton's, focusing instead on policy over personality. As the presidential race intensifies, the dynamics of gender, race, and voter expectations will play crucial roles in shaping the outcome.