On Nov. 7, millions of Americans tuned in to listen and watch the projected winners of the 2020 presidential election deliver their victory speeches. In an election plagued with a negative and spiteful rhetoric, each candidate offered a position of hope and unity that had not been seen in quite some time.
While most waited anxiously for the man of the hour, President-elect Joe Biden, to speak, it was Vice President-elect, Kamala Harris that was truly able to capture the spirit of resilience and possibility with her words.
After four years of “fake news,” “witch hunts” and tweets written with caps lock on, Harris set the tone for the evening with remarks on the struggle for democracy and the everlasting fight for a new and better environment. Quoting the late Congressman John Lewis, Harris started her speech with the words: “Democracy is not a state. It is an act,” words particularly appropriate for an election week riddled with reports of voter fraud and mishandling of ballots.
Harris pointed the American people in the right direction. Politics aside, it is important for people in positions of high public service to use their platforms to promote positive change and begin healthy debate. Harris has done just that.
With a truly historic election behind her, Harris was able to seamlessly weave her hopes for the future with her gratitude for the past. Remembering all the women who came before her, Harris stated, “Tonight, I reflect on their struggle, their determination and the strength of their vision — to see what can be unburdened by what has been — I stand on their shoulders.”
This was a powerful moment for all women in the United States, past and present. As the struggle for women’s rights has been fiercely debated and fought over under the current administration, Harris’ words perfectly captured that feeling of determination and resilience so many women have fought for.
Growing up in the United States, individuals are made to believe they have the ability to accomplish anything. So often this belief is crushed by the economic, racial and social aspects of an individual’s life. So often this belief is crushed by the harsh, ignorant words and actions of others. So often this belief is abandoned because it has been made clear that doors are only opened for those with a certain set of backgrounds.
Watching this speech live, sitting on the floor of a dorm room, is something that I truly will never forget. That was a moment in American history that truly showed that all things are possible. It is time for a renewed sense of hope, and Harris captured that sense with class.
Photo from Flickr
