As the 2020 presidential election draws closer, Democratic nominee Joe Biden’s running mate, Kamala Harris, is hoping to secure a crucial voting bloc that could make or break the election: women.
Harris, the first woman of color to be on a major party’s presidential ticket, has been actively courting female voters by highlighting her own experiences as a woman in politics and advocating for policies that benefit women and families. This focus on women is not only strategic, but also deeply personal for Harris, who has often spoken about the role that her mother, a breast cancer researcher, played in shaping her values and beliefs.
Women have historically been a key demographic in presidential elections, making up slightly more than half of the electorate. In 2016, 55% of women voted for Hillary Clinton, compared to 41% who voted for Donald Trump. This gender gap in voting has been a consistent trend in recent elections, with women generally favoring Democratic candidates over Republican ones.
Harris is hoping to build on this trend and mobilize female voters to turn out in record numbers for the Biden-Harris ticket. She has been actively reaching out to women voters through virtual town halls, social media campaigns, and targeted messaging on issues that matter most to women, such as healthcare, reproductive rights, and economic equality.
One of Harris’ key policy proposals that could resonate with women voters is her plan to address the gender pay gap by requiring companies to disclose and address pay disparities between men and women. Harris has also been a vocal advocate for expanding access to affordable childcare and paid family leave, issues that are particularly important to women who often bear the brunt of caregiving responsibilities.
In addition to her policy proposals, Harris’ personal story as a woman breaking barriers in politics could also inspire female voters to turn out in support of the Biden-Harris ticket. As the first woman of color to be on a major party’s presidential ticket, Harris represents a historic moment for women in politics and a symbol of progress towards gender equality.
With just weeks left until the election, Harris is making a final push to secure the female vote and help propel the Biden-Harris ticket to victory. By focusing on issues that matter most to women and highlighting her own experiences as a woman in politics, Harris is hoping to energize female voters and secure their support on Election Day. The outcome of the election may very well hinge on the support of women, making their vote more crucial than ever in determining the next president of the United States.