Hillary Clinton Claims It’s Kamala Harris’s Time to Shatter the ‘Glass Ceiling’
In a rousing show of support on the opening night of the Democratic National Convention, Hillary Clinton sang praises for the Vice President Kamala Harris. Clinton, who was the first woman to win a major party nomination for president, spoke fervently about the notion of breaking through America’s sturdy ‘glass ceiling.’
Passing the Torch
Despite Clinton’s groundbreaking nomination, her response to President Donald Trump’s electoral victory was disheartening. However, while addressing the crowd of thousands in Chicago that night, she showcased a hopeful demeanor, advocating for Kamala Harris as an apt successor. Clinton hailed Kamala as an apt candidate who’d been raising her hand on the opposite side of that proverbial ‘glass ceiling,’ ready to be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States.
Notably, Clinton, during her presidential campaign, had placed significant emphasis on her gender as part of her campaign. However, Kamala Harris has chosen not to follow suit, instead choosing to focus on her political prowess and record.
‘Together we put a lot of cracks in the glass ceiling’ – Clinton Praises Harris
Female delegates and politicians attending the event provide a varied perspective on the challenges they faced during their political careers. Despite facing questions about her personal life when she campaigned, Mallory McMorrow, a state senator from Michigan, went on to become the second senator in Michigan’s history to give birth while in office, offering a prime example of resilience.
An interesting insight came from Judy Mount, the first African-American female chair of the Florida Democrats, who highlighted the resistance women face in obtaining significant political positions. Hillary Clinton’s run, although unsuccessful, led to a significant increase in the number of women running for office in 2018. This shift can be observed in data from the Pew Research Center where female representation in the House has increased from 19.1% in 2017 to 28.5% at present.
Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges
The portrayal of Kamala Harris is vastly different from that of Clinton. Harris, free from the pressure to be ‘everything to every woman,’ can focus on campaigning without emphasizing her gender. This strategy has allowed her to focus on her political record and the tasks at hand, while her supporters elevate her image. Harris’s campaign, with significant support from women and voters of color, positions her as a fresh, youthful option as compared to the 78-year-old Trump.
The 2024 US election draws close as Kamala Harris attempts to shatter the final threshold of that proverbial ‘glass ceiling’ and mark her place in history.
Moving Forward
This election does not merely symbolize a transfer of power or a change in the political landscape. It reflects the United States’ ever-evolving mindset towards the inclusion of diverse groups and the acknowledgment of their potential. There is much progress to be made, and as all eyes turn toward the election results, the country remains hopeful for a more inclusive and understanding political sphere.
