Vice President Kamala Harris is in a position to potentially become the first woman to serve as president of the United States after U.S. President Joe Biden ended his reelection bid abruptly. Harris has ties to Canada, having spent formative years in Montreal and graduating from Westmount High School in 1981. Her time in the city is detailed in her memoir, The Truths we Hold: An American Journey, where she reflects on arriving in Montreal as a 12-year-old when her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, took a job at McGill University. Dean Smith, who attended high school with Harris, expressed pride in potentially seeing her become president, emphasizing her inspiration to local youth, particularly young girls. He noted that Harris continues to exhibit the same qualities he remembers from their time in school, making connections with others regardless of the setting.
Dean Smith sees Harris’s potential presidency as a way for young people to see a path to success and possibility of achieving similar heights. Harris’s presence in the news and potential presidential bid inspires young Canadians and Americans living in Canada to engage in American politics and exercise their right to vote. Democrats Abroad Canada chair Erin Kotecki-Vest hopes that Harris’s ties to Canada and her formative years in Montreal will encourage Canadians to participate in American politics, emphasizing her understanding of both cultures and systems. While Democrats Abroad is not officially endorsing anyone yet, Kotecki-Vest personally believes Harris’s candidacy makes sense and offers American voters a transparent choice.
Kamala Harris is the first woman, Black person, and person of South Asian descent to serve as vice president of the United States. Biden’s announcement of stepping aside and endorsing Harris as the Democratic candidate against Donald Trump for the presidency came amid concerns about the viability of his own candidacy. Pelosi has also endorsed Harris, further boosting her chances in the upcoming election. Canadian residents, especially those near the American border, may feel comforted knowing that Harris has knowledge of their culture and can represent their interests as president. Harris’s potential candidacy serves as a beacon of hope for many, especially those who have followed her career and witnessed her rise in politics.
Overall, the possibility of Kamala Harris becoming the first woman president of the United States is a momentous occasion that holds significance for many, including Canadians who have connections to her through her time in Montreal. Harris’s upbringing, education, and career have prepared her for the highest office in the country, and her potential candidacy inspires young people to pursue their dreams and engage in politics. Her ties to Canada and understanding of different cultures make her a unique candidate who can bridge divides and represent a diverse population. As the election season unfolds, the world watches with anticipation to see if history will be made with the election of Kamala Harris as the first female president of the United States.
