While her transition from the second spot on the ticket to the top position was sudden, I nevertheless believe that presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris should be elected due to her ability to maintain an enthusiastic outlook and plan for the future of the United States in relation to several key policy issues.
Abortion:
While the president cannot necessarily ensure abortion on demand for all women, Harris has made clear that she would call for measures to reinstate many of Roe v. Wade’s provisions into national law. In contrast to Trump who stacked the Supreme Court with justices he knew would overturn Roe v. Wade, Harris has vowed to “fight to protect [women’s] most fundamental freedoms,” (Harris, whitehouse.gov).
“This right is being stripped away and is devastating countless women across the country who are being forced into situations they are not equipped to handle,” senior Sofia Sanzone said.
Harris traveled America in order to hear the stories of affected women, some of whom experienced miscarriages, sepsis, or permanent infertility due to their inability to receive proper medical care due to abortion restrictions. As President, Harris is committed to signing legislation returning reproductive liberties into law if Congress passes them. She will also appoint pro-choice justices to the Supreme Court if given the opportunity as president.
Harris is a strong advocate of women’s and citizens’ rights and freedoms; Trump is not.
Gun Policy:
As a gun owner herself, Harris believes in the second amendment while also backing policies aimed at regulating gun ownership and improving gun safety, which is a stand I agree with and is another reason I support Harris.
Gun laws are lacking in the United States, especially when compared to nations in the European Union, Canada, Thailand, etc. Mass shootings are unfortunately much more common here and today the U.S. has the highest number of mass shooting incidents of any country, many of which take place in schools.
“As a student, I would feel more compelled to vote for a candidate who puts gun laws in place,” sophomore Afraz Rafan said.
Harris supports addressing constitutional flaws related to firearms, banning assault weapons, and implementing background checks.
“Upon being elected, I will give the United States Congress 100 days to get their act together and have the courage to pass reasonable gun safety laws,” Harris said (apnews.com). “And if they fail to do it, then I will take executive action.”
Voting for Harris is a vote for your safety and the protection of your family; it has nothing to do with voting for or against a gun ban as Trump tries to claim.
Immigration:
Harris is in favor of comprehensive immigration reform that protects Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients and gives undocumented immigrants who have been productive members of society a path to citizenship. She also intends to invest in Central America’s security and economic growth in order to address the underlying reasons for migration. Finally, Harris wants to bring the immigration system up to date, so that it is efficient, equitable, and maintains humanitarian principles at the border.
Recently, there was an immigration bill that Republicans and Democrats both supported; however, Trump squashed this bill that would have achieved some of both his and Harris’s goals because he did not want immigration to improve before the election, ultimately proving his motives as self-serving.
Harris, in contrast, has a balanced approach that is both humane and responsive to concerns about the border having become too porous.
“[Harris’s] border policy seeks to improve security while also allowing an earned pathway to citizenship, which is a good compromise,” senior Alessandra Gavris said.
A leader is not one who proves to be untrustworthy, is undiplomatic and sparks division. A leader is optimistic, inviting, and methodic. Kamala Harris is the change this country so desperately desires and needs, thus I advise to vote blue this election.
