I know that no one has been sitting around waiting for my input on how to vote this election, but the stakes feel so high that I am compelled to use whatever small voice I have to share my thoughts with anyone who might be moved by them! The question is...where to begin? (Caveat: if you're here to yell about a stolen election or if you are already worshipping the false idol of Donald, this is probably not for you.)
I love this country. For all its faults and flaws, I recognize how fortunate I am to have been born here, in this multicultural democracy that prioritizes freedom of speech and expression. I was educated in American public schools, I enjoy our public libraries and public parks, I have taken road trips across the country on well-maintained roads in cars regulated by motor vehicle safety standards, I have traveled the world confidently as an American citizen (knowing that I would have the protection of the American consulate if needed in whatever country I was visiting). My education as a physician allows me to do work which feels meaningful and fulfilling to me, caring for all sorts of people, including people who have sought refuge in this country as they have fled wars and violence around the world (in some cases those wars and violence were instigated by the decisions of American leaders, but even as our leaders have made what I view as poor decisions I continue to respect and appreciate our democratic systems). Given my work in the public sector, I had access to public service loan forgiveness which meant that my significant debt from my years in medical school (at a public university) was forgiven after 10 years of work and loan payments. I was able to access long-acting reversible contraception thanks to the Affordable Care Act; this allowed me to have my children when I felt ready to do so.
So...why should someone vote for Kamala Harris? She is ready to be president. She is capable, intelligent, compassionate and thoughtful. Will she be perfect and do every single thing I want her to do? Of course not. No president will. There are many complexities and nuances involved in governing a hegemonic nation of 346 million people. But I know that she will surround herself with knowledgeable and skilled people who will help her make decisions to support this ongoing American experiment. She is not a radical leftist (or if she is, so am I based on what I have written above and below).
Here are some specifics about why I think Harris is the best choice for our country (not an all-inclusive list):
Reproductive health/abortion. Maybe you believe that life begins at conception and that abortion is a sin. I can understand and appreciate that perspective, yet I do not think that banning or criminalizing abortion is the answer. As a physician, I regularly care for patients who are experiencing miscarriages (otherwise known as spontaneous abortions). Sometimes the pregnancy tissue leaves the body on its own, but many times procedures or medications are needed. The procedures (manual uterine aspiration) and medications (mifepristone/misoprostol) used for miscarriage management are the same as those used for elective abortions. Any attempt to restrict access to these procedures or medications places women at risk. If doctors are concerned about prosecution or loss of licensure for performing a procedure or prescribing a medication, they may hesitate or avoid to do so. This can and does result in loss of fertility or even death for women experiencing miscarriages. If we truly wish to prevent abortions, we will improve access to comprehensive sex education, contraception, prenatal care, and affordable childcare. Kamala Harris agrees. Donald Trump already pushed restrictions to reproductive healthcare, and he would definitely push further if re-elected.
The economy. I am not an economist. (Odds are, you're not either!) What I do know is that we are affected by a global economy. While the U.S. is the world's largest economy by GDP, the U.S. president has very little control over what happens with gas prices, interest rates, etc. Donald Trump claims to have presided over "the best economy ever," but he inherited a growing economy...it kept growing at the same rate...then it didn't. Most of the factors involved were beyond his control, and most of the factors that continue to be involved remain beyond the control of any U.S. president. It would be great if things were as simple as "the right president = a better economy." But they aren't. Harris may not solve all of our economic problems, but she will certainly try. Meanwhile, Trump's interest is wholly in expanding the riches of billionaires like his biggest cheerleader Elon Musk (not in helping common losers like you and me).
Constitutional rights. Only one candidate (Trump) has threatened to prosecute or punish American citizens for their political views.
Democracy. President Biden won the 2020 election. There is no credible evidence of election fraud. Donald Trump continues to make false claims. He has said, "if you vote for me, you'll never have to vote again." Voting is not a chore - it is a right and a privilege. Not "having to" vote again sounds like the opposite of a democracy to me.
I could truly go on and on about the issues and the reasons to vote blue. Donald Trump has repeatedly demonstrated a lack of regard for American veterans, for women, for people of color, for people with disabilities, for humans of all sorts. I imagine it would be difficult for someone who's been a lifelong Republican to vote for a Democrat...or difficult for those who feel let down by politicians on both sides, but we should listen to Trump's former advisers and close colleagues (all of them Republicans) who have warned us about the dangers of another Trump presidency. This is not a perfect union, but the only way for us to get there is to continue to try. And a vote for Harris is the best way to continue the essential work of perfecting our union. When asked about what had been created at the Constitutional Convention, Ben Franklin is said to have replied: "A Republic, madam, if you can keep it." I sure hope we can keep it.
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