### Kamala Harris Faces Historic Bid for the Presidency Amid Deep Division

Kamala Harris, the current Vice-President of the United States, stands on the verge of several historic firsts as she campaigns for the highest office. Just a week before the critical election on November 5, she made her final pitch to voters in Washington, DC, not far from the White House. Among those eagerly awaiting her speech was 19-year-old Kai Carter, a student at Howard University. Like many others at the event, Carter felt elation at the possibility of Harris becoming the first Black female president.

Born to an Indian mother and a Jamaican father, Harris is not only poised to break racial and gender barriers but could also become the first Asian American and the first woman to assume the presidency. Despite these groundbreaking possibilities, Harris refrains from highlighting her identity on the campaign trail. Instead, she emphasizes her middle-class background and her aim to serve all Americans. In her address, Harris painted the election as a battle for the soul of the nation, labeling the choice as one between freedom for all versus chaos and division under Donald Trump's leadership.

Unlike Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign, which centered heavily on gender, Harris has chosen to focus on policy issues rather than identity. This approach has resonated with figures like Laurie Pohutsky, a Democratic state representative from Michigan. Pohutsky, inspired to enter politics after Trump's 2016 campaign, agrees that Harris's qualifications and record take precedence over her gender. "While it's historic, it's not what would make her a good president," Pohutsky said.

Harris's detractors have frequently attempted to weaponize her identity against her. From mispronouncing her name to questioning her racial background, opponents have tried various methods to undermine her. These personal attacks, reminiscent of tactics used against Hillary Clinton, underscore the double standards women—especially women of color—face in politics. Christina Reynolds of Emily's List notes that women often bear the brunt of personal attacks, while men are typically criticized for their policies.

Despite her cautious approach to her identity, Harris has taken a strong stance on women's rights, particularly following the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022. She has become a vocal advocate for reproductive rights, even becoming the first vice-president to visit an abortion provider and invite them to the White House. Harris has also introduced policies aimed at supporting women caught in the "sandwich generation," those caring for both young children and aging parents.

As Harris concluded her final rally, she stressed the importance of unity and inclusivity, vowing to be a president for all Americans. Yet, with Trump as her opponent, the race remains a tight contest. Independent voter Elaine Callahan encapsulated the hopes and anxieties of many when she expressed her support for Harris, declaring the campaign "historic" while also recalling the painful memories of Clinton's 2016 defeat. With the polls showing a close race, the nation remains on edge, waiting to see if history will indeed be made.