Norris McDonald | Kamala Harris bets on women and Gen-Z to win ‘tuff’ presidential race

“Gen-Z wants Kamala Harris to win,” noted a political observer who preferred to remain anonymous.

“She’s definitely a better option than Trump, but we’re tired of choosing between the lesser of two evils,” MK, a young female economist and entrepreneur, emphasised.

Harris, as a strong Black woman, has generated broad appeal among diverse segments of the United States voting population, particularly among Gen-Z. Her appeal is gaining traction, but uncertainties remain. Issues such as public education, healthcare, and affordable housing resonate deeply with this generation.

Her proposal to provide $25,000 to first-time homebuyers is promising, yet many young people are still awaiting the student loan relief that was promised. Unlike many developed nations, the US does not offer cost-free education. With climate change and social equity at the forefront, the electorate faces a critical decision: not just who is the better candidate, but who can truly help working families navigate these challenges.

Jennifer Streaks, a journalist at Business Insider, recently examined the everyday crisis confronting American families. The average household debt stands at $104,215, encompassing mortgages, auto loans, credit card debt, and student loans. These pressing financial concerns weigh heavily on debt-stressed voters as they prepare for the November 5 presidential election.

Donald Trump, the MAGA candidate, offers bluster without real solutions for average Americans. Despite this, he has significantly narrowed Harris’ previous six-point lead. The upcoming race is now nearly a dead heat, with Harris at 50 per cent and Trump at 48 per cent, making the outcome increasingly uncertain.

CRITICAL ISSUES SHAPE VOTING DECISIONS

Several factors suggest that Harris may still prevail. First, women are highly motivated to vote, particularly on issues concerning their rights and healthcare choices. This support spans religious lines, with some female Catholic voters disregarding the Vatican’s stance. According to Camillo Baron of the National Catholic Reporter, Harris has garnered significant support among traditionally anti-abortion Catholic women.

Second, Harris’ backing among traditional Black and Hispanic voters – who typically support the Democratic Party – is on the rise, which will be crucial in the seven swing states that often determine elections.

Finally, Gen-Z is emerging as a reliable voting bloc that could tip the scale in November. With 41 million young voters aged 18 to 35, including eight million first-time voters, this dynamic group represents the foundation of America’s emerging middle class, many of whom are burdened by significant student debt and struggle with rent or home purchases.

Economic issues are not the sole concerns for younger voters; they are also passionate about ending wars, addressing injustices, protecting the environment, and ensuring affordable healthcare. However, foreign policy remains a potential drawback. The escalating crisis in the Middle East, particularly with Iran demonstrating its nuclear capabilities following a missile strike on Israel, could negatively impact a candidate from the governing Democratic Party, which is often criticised for being “soft on foreign policy”.

Conversely, many Americans are weary of endless wars and horrified by the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which is unfolding in real time. As the election approaches, these critical issues shape voting decisions, and Harris is facing backlash from the Muslim community and others who feel she has not taken a strong enough stand on the Gaza conflict.

Harris is navigating a challenging political landscape overshadowed by tensions in the Middle East, the Russia-Ukraine war, and bloated military spending. America’s perpetual wars, funded by borrowed money, weigh heavily on many voters’ minds. Since the 2001 invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, the US has spent over $8 trillion on military ventures, while 47.4 million Americans face food insecurity, highlighting a stark contrast between rising military expenditures and domestic needs.

The rise in poverty, homelessness, and hunger has become a crisis, forcing many to seek food assistance. While Israel has received over $300 billion in support, many Americans oppose this military expenditure not out of animosity but due to a sense of injustice.

STEERING AMERICA TOWARD AN ‘OPPORTUNITY ECONOMY’

As the global landscape shifts, countries like China, Russia, and India are reshaping power dynamics, indicating a potential shift from military might to economic stability and human rights. The BRICS nations now control over two-thirds of the world’s wealth, leaving traditional Western imperialist countries behind.

Kamala Harris faces the challenge of steering America toward an “opportunity economy” by redistributing wealth from the rich to the middle class and the poor. It is encouraging to see a candidate proposing bold solutions to America’s pressing problems.

Goldman Sachs analysts predict that the US economy would improve under a Harris administration, fostering economic growth. Many progressives and members of the business community support her plan for an “opportunity economy”, which includes changes in taxation, spending priorities toward family needs, and raising the minimum wage to at least $15 per hour.

As potential nuclear confrontations loom, the hope is that political crises do not escalate. If Gen-Z turns out in force, as anticipated, they could play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s future.

In a world of uncertainty, it’s often said that the only certainties are debt and more debt. Our choice lies in pursuing a progressive vision for the future and working toward it. What guarantees do we have that President Harris will keep her promises? There are none, but that’s where political activism comes in. What has been missing in the past is robust political participation in the electoral process at all levels.

“We wish the institutions built around democracy were truly democratic and that we could vote on how our tax dollars are spent instead of fuelling the imperialist war machine,” MK concluded.

But how can this dream be realised?

It will require continued hard work and serious political activism to transform the reactionary nature of politics into something more meaningful, ensuring that the middle class and the poor will see significant improvement.

That is just the ‘bitta’ truth.

Norris McDonald is an economic journalist, political analyst, and respiratory therapist. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and miaminorris@yahoo.com.