Vote Run Lead's Statement on The selection of Senator Kamala Harris as the Vice Presidential Nominee

The selection of Senator Kamala Harris as the Vice Presidential (VP) nominee for the Democratic Party is a historic move forward. Over the past several years, the leadership of Black, Indigenous and women of color has shown that the country is ready for -- no, eager for -- leaders who represent and reflect the entirety of America. The nomination of the first Black and Indian American woman to the VP position is nothing short of transformational. In fact, it’s part of a long history of Black women confronting and refining American democracy for the betterment of all. 

Since our country’s founding 244 years ago, Senator Harris is only the third woman in United States (U.S.) history to be nominated for the Vice Presidency and the first Black person and first Indian American person. 

We -- as a women’s community -- celebrate Kamala. 

But we must also be ready for both the unrealistic expectations and swift backlash that Senator Harris will face; actions unfortunately, that are all too familiar. She will be tasked to restore democracy and decency and heal jarring divisions, and at the same time, she will be criticized for not being tough enough, progressive enough, Black enough--all the things that make her uniquely her. But Senator Harris does not need us to defend her. 

She is enough. 

What we are called to do is to light the way and point out misogyny, racism, or white supremacy when we see, read or hear it. At Vote Run Lead, we commit the full weight of our organization to building the political leadership of all women: Black women, Indigenous women, women of color, rural women, young women, single mothers, and gender non-binary people, to hold and wield their political power just as they are, from the town hall to the White House. If the Biden/Harris ticket is successful, how many more women running for office down ballot will be propelled to leadership as she takes them to victory with her? How many young girls and young boys will be inspired to transform our democracy to truly fulfill its promise of liberty and justice for all?

Congratulations to Senator Kamala Harris. You are running as you are!