Excitement, happiness and hope - I have it. By choosing Kamala Harris as his running mate, Joe Biden proved that he is not afraid of women who speak their minds. Instead, he chose a woman who knows how to fight and knows how to win. She's exactly who we need.
So many people complained about Harris when she pointedly called Biden out during one of the primary debates about his anti-busing stand so many years ago. Some thought her too aggressive. Some called her mean. I thought she was great. I thought, "Now here's a woman who brings it to the table."
And, when I read Biden's announcement yesterday, I thought, "It's about time." Again. Geraldine Ferraro was the first. Her name fills me with admiration.
After Mondale and Ferraro lost the election way back when Ferraro hit the lecture circuit. I was fortunate enough to hear her speak at the University of Utah. I cannot remember anything about the speech itself. What I do remember is how inspiring she was. The hall was filled with women - women who thought better things were coming - women she lifted in a way nothing else could. And, then we waited. And, waited. And, waited.
With Kamala Harris, I have hope again. Hope for so many things. Our first job is to take our country back with the Biden/Harris ticket. Then we can tackle racial injustice, gender inequalities, COVID-19, free children from cages and move forward. The future looks a lot brighter now.
Kamala Harris Quick Facts:
Born in Oakland, CA, 1964
Harris's mother is Shyamala Gopalan, a cancer researcher from India
Harris's father is Donald Harris, an economist from Jamaica
In 2003, Harris became the first Black woman ever elected district attorney in CA
Harris married corporate lawyer Doug Emhoff in 2014
In 2016, Harris was elected a U.S. Senator for CA
On August 11, 2020, Harris became the Democratic Vice Presidential candidate to run with Joe Biden against the Republican ticket