The US Is Ready To Vote for a Female President

It’s smart that Kamala Harris isn’t emphasizing her gender; other people can — and should — do that for her.

It was an emotional farewell to the big political stage as U.S. President Joe Biden symbolically handed over the scepter to his running mate Kamala Harris at the U.S. Democratic Convention. He was celebrated with a minute-long standing ovation for his life’s work and also for his retirement at just the right time. Biden hands the reins over to the next generation. The spirit of optimism was unmistakable.

However, Hillary Clinton’s speech made the generational change clearer than Biden’s. It was the honor of her life to be the first woman to accept the nomination for presidential candidacy in 2016. But in her concession speech, she said, “Now, I know, I know we have still not shattered the highest and hardest glass ceiling, but someday, someone will.”

Power vs Selflessness

The circumstances are now more favorable for Harris. While Clinton grew up politically in the shadow of her husband Bill, Harris developed her career independently. She escaped the label of scrupulous power-hungry woman that many successful women struggle with, because she stepped in when the party needed her. Selflessness: a classic trait that still goes down better with a majority of women than does a thirst for power.

Until now, Harris hasn’t emphasized her gender, which is smart. Others are doing this for her, such as her fans on social media. Nevertheless, according to polls, the rise of her popularity is largely due to her increasingly winning over female voters. The U.S. is ready to vote for a female president.