The Democratic National Convention featured a lighthearted approach to correcting the mispronunciation of Vice President Kamala Harris’ name, highlighting the disrespectful attacks that have been leveled at her due to her race and gender. Former congresswoman Val Demings emphasized that personal attacks do not define her, but rather the quality of work she does for the people she represents. As the campaign enters a new phase, there is increasing pressure on Harris to lay out her policies and avoid engaging with personal attacks directly, as advised by Black women leaders and former first lady Michelle Obama.
While Republican allies have urged former President Trump to stay away from personal attacks and focus on policy, his campaign has criticized Harris for lacking a detailed policy agenda despite unveiling an economic proposal. The Harris campaign has chosen not to engage with these criticisms directly, instead referring to the divisive and disrespectful comments made by Trump. Other Black women who have run for higher office emphasize the importance of understanding when someone is trying to provoke a reaction and staying focused on their campaign message.
Emerge, an organization that recruits and trains Democratic women running for office, prepares candidates for potential attacks on their policies and backgrounds by teaching them how to respond effectively and stay focused on their message. President A’shanti Gholar acknowledges the reality of sexism and racism in politics but focuses on empowering candidates to navigate these challenges. Andrea Stewart-Cousins, the majority leader of the New York Senate, recognizes Harris’ ability to stay focused and address attacks on her ethnicity and record with grace and determination, echoing the sentiments of other Black women in leadership roles.
The Democratic convention introduced the theme of joy and an introduction to the Democratic nominee, showcasing Harris’ family members who provided an easy-to-remember pronunciation of her first name. The convention aimed to shed light on the challenges faced by women of color in the political spotlight and the need to combat disrespectful attacks. As the campaign intensifies leading up to Election Day, Harris faces increasing pressure to lay out her policies and avoid engaging directly with personal attacks, following the advice of Black women leaders and Michelle Obama.
Republican allies have advised Trump to focus on policy rather than personal attacks, while criticizing Harris for lacking a detailed policy agenda despite unveiling an economic proposal. The Harris campaign has chosen not to engage directly with these criticisms, instead referring to Trump’s divisive and disrespectful comments. Black women who have run for higher office stress the importance of staying focused, addressing attacks calmly, and continuing to deliver their campaign message effectively despite the challenges of racism and sexism in politics. Andrea Stewart-Cousins highlights Harris’ ability to stay measured and focused on her goal of succeeding in the campaign.
