Skip to main content

Many Indians in US believe Kamala Harris is more active on African-American issues

By Vikas Meshram 
The picture for the US presidential election is becoming clearer now. After President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the race, former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama immediately endorsed Kamala Harris. Barack Obama made this announcement through a video. In it, Barack Obama said that he and Michelle are proud to support Kamala Harris.
Meanwhile, former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump stated that Vice President Kamala Harris is not fit to rule the country. After Biden's withdrawal, Harris (59) is now the potential Democratic candidate, and she will be officially declared as the party's presidential candidate at the Democratic National Convention in August. Trump said, 'Kamala Harris is the most liberal elected politician in American history. If she ever comes to power, she will destroy this country. We will not let this happen.' 
Kamala Harris has also announced her intention to debate with Donald Trump on TV.
In the world's most powerful democracy, the US, it seems that Vice President Kamala Harris is trying her luck in the presidential election to be held at the end of the year. Until now, Joe Biden, who was a strong contender for the Democratic party's presidential candidate, has distanced himself from the race. Biden took this step as pressure increased to withdraw due to his advancing age. 
After falling behind in a TV debate against Republican candidate and former President Donald Trump, it appeared that Trump was a strong contender compared to the elderly Biden. However, with Kamala Harris emerging as the Democratic candidate, the situation has changed. Now, Trump has become the oldest candidate in Biden's place. 
The most important aspect is that the current President Joe Biden has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris's candidacy, making this election even more competitive. Kamala Harris is the first African-American female presidential candidate in US history. For Democrats, this is a risk they will have to take. In reality, Trump is a strong supporter of white supremacy in America. 
By choosing Kamala Harris for the vice-presidency, Biden also took a similar risk. However, gradually, Democrats in America are openly coming out in support of Kamala Harris. Nevertheless, Kamala's candidacy will be finalized at the Democrats' national convention in Chicago next month. Kamala's positive side is that she holds the second constitutional position after Biden. 
Naturally, Democrats can hardly deny the candidacy of a female and African-American candidate. However, Kamala will also have to endure some criticism for her failures during her vice-presidency, particularly on the issue of illegal immigrants. However, she has been successful on the issue of abortion rights. Now, Kamala's candidacy has increased the challenges for Trump. 
However, ambitious Democrats may challenge Kamala's candidacy. Currently, Kamala Harris's entry has made the US presidential election very interesting. To oppose the Democrats, Republicans will have to come up with new issues.
In reality, Kamala, the eldest daughter of an Indian-origin mother and Jamaican-origin father Donald Harris, is seen as Indian. However, it is difficult to say how emotional or political her connection to India and Indian culture is. A section of Indians in America believes that she is more active on the issues of the African-American community than on those of Indians. 
However, among Indians, she emphasizes her Indian heritage. During the vice-presidential election, she also mentioned her past and experiences related to her maternal home in Tamil Nadu to attract Indians. There is no doubt that Kamala is a multifaceted personality politician. This is why when Kamala Harris was chosen for the vice-presidency, Biden said that he was preparing new leadership for the country. Today, with her candidacy for the presidency, that moment seems to have arrived.
It is noteworthy that her mother Shyamala Gopalan, born in Chennai, dared to go to America when it was considered extremely difficult to allow a single daughter to study abroad. After graduating from Delhi University, she went to America in 1958 to pursue a PhD in nutrition and endocrinology. 
She later became a researcher in the field of breast cancer. While fighting for human rights at Berkeley, Shyamala came in contact with and married Donald Harris. Later, after divorcing Harris, Shyamala raised Kamala and her sister Maya with Indian values. 
Although Kamala is a prominent African-American leader in America today, she has never denied her connection to India. Born in Oakland, California, Kamala studied at Harvard University. 
After earning a law degree from the University of California, she began practicing law. In 2014, she married Jewish lawyer Douglas Emhoff according to Jewish and Indian traditions. However, she has built an image as an African-American politician. Given the decisive votes of Indian and African-American people in America, Biden supported Kamala's presidential candidacy. 
Today, Kamala Harris's image in America is that of a liberal, modern values-promoting, and human rights-fighting woman. Undoubtedly, Kamala Harris is a clear speaker and charismatic leader. Despite this, most of the 4 million Indian Americans settled in the US believe that her presidency will elevate India's status, although some think that her perspective on issues like Kashmir is not very positive.
Whether Kamala Harris becomes the first female President of the United States will be determined in the coming time.

Comments

Post a Comment

TRENDING

Clive Lloyd legacy reminds us of the golden era that reshaped cricket

By Harsh Thakor*  As August 31 marked the 80th birthday of cricketing icon Clive Lloyd, it also heralds the impending 50th anniversary of his ascension to the captaincy of the West Indies team. Under his leadership, a collection of extraordinary talents coalesced to create one of the most formidable teams in cricket history. The roots of West Indian cricket dominance trace back to a colonial past. 
Post a Comment
Read more

A Hindu alternative to Valentine's Day? 'Shiv-Parvati was first love marriage in Universe'

By Rajiv Shah*   The other day, I was searching on Google a quote on Maha Shivratri which I wanted to send to someone, a confirmed Shiv Bhakt, quite close to me -- with an underlying message to act positively instead of being negative. On top of the search, I chanced upon an article in, imagine!, a Nashik Corporation site which offered me something very unusual. 
26 comments
Read more

Impact of water anxiety, stress and trauma on women: World Water Week 2024 talkshow

By Mansee Bal Bhargava, Durga Das, Garbhit Naik, Sromona Burman* A newly formed no bet-for-profit organization,  WODER , dedicated and motivated to work towards water security for all for all the time, was at the World Water Week (WWW) 2024 organized by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI)  from August 25 to 29th. The WWW2024 theme was, ‘Bridging Borders: Water for a Peaceful and Sustainable Future’ and centered around water cooperation for peace and security. The event underscored the collaborative effort needed to achieve a peaceful and sustainable future. 
2 comments
Read more

Trailblazer in literary innovation, critic of Indian mythology, including Ramayana

By Harsh Thakor*  Ranganayakamma, commonly known as RN, stands out as a transformative figure in promoting Marxist thought, democratic ideals, and anti-caste principles through her remarkably clear and engaging writing style. A trailblazer in literary innovation, her works span a broad array of topics, from critiques of Indian mythology and revivalism to discussions on civil liberties, the Indian Communist Movement, and Maoism in China. 
Post a Comment
Read more

Swami Vivekananda's views on caste and sexuality were 'painfully' regressive

By Bhaskar Sur* Swami Vivekananda now belongs more to the modern Hindu mythology than reality. It makes a daunting job to discover the real human being who knew unemployment, humiliation of losing a teaching job for 'incompetence', longed in vain for the bliss of a happy conjugal life only to suffer the consequent frustration.
58 comments
Read more

Will Bangladesh go Egypt way, where military ruler is in power for a decade?

By Vijay Prashad*  The day after former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left Dhaka, I was on the phone with a friend who had spent some time on the streets that day. He told me about the atmosphere in Dhaka, how people with little previous political experience had joined in the large protests alongside the students—who seemed to be leading the agitation. I asked him about the political infrastructure of the students and about their political orientation. He said that the protests seemed well-organized and that the students had escalated their demands from an end to certain quotas for government jobs to an end to the government of Sheikh Hasina. Even hours before she left the country, it did not seem that this would be the outcome.
Post a Comment
Read more

'Void in Leftist landscape': Loss of Sitaram Yechury who had helped form INDIA bloc

By Vikas Meshram*  The passing of Sitaram Yechury has cast a profound stillness over leftist organizations across India. Renowned as a distinguished politician, columnist, economist, and social activist, Yechury was a staunch advocate for student rights and movements. His leadership skills became apparent early in his academic career, as he was elected three times as the president of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Yechury also endured imprisonment during the Emergency period, underscoring his commitment to political activism. 
Post a Comment
Read more

Unwavering source of ideological inspiration in politics, life: Personal tribute to Yechury

By Bhabani Shankar Nayak  Sitaram Yechury was everyone's comrade. He lived his life in public like an open book of praxis. Everyone was familiar with his family background, student life, many talents, achievements, and political journey that defines his everyday life as a committed communist.  
Post a Comment
Read more

Narmada valley again facing flood disaster, exacerbated by Sardar Sarovar dam 'mismanagement'

By Our Representative  The environmental advocacy group South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People (SANDRP) has issued a warning , supported by detailed diagrams, that the Sardar Sarovar Dam (SSD) is at risk of causing flash floods in the Narmada Valley this year, similar to incidents that occurred last year. 
1 comment
Read more