This week Donald Trump spoke at a National Association of Black Journalists Conference and said that Kamala Harris used to be Indian and now she says she’s Black. He went on to question, “So is she Indian or is she Black?” What I want to know is what difference does it make?
Trump, a man who once claimed that Obama was not born in the United States and that he was the founder of ISIS, this week claimed that Kamala Harris does not really like Jewish people. Oh wait, she is married to a Jewish man. Trump then dug himself an even deeper hole when he claimed that all undocumented migrants coming into the country are taking “Black” jobs—whatever that means.
I have grown weary of all these “dust ups” about race, gender identity, and more. Why don’t we just talk about the best person for the job? The best experience. The best judgment. The best platform to propel America in the right direction and not be so hung up on race, gender identity, and looks.
For decades no one complained when two white guys were on the same ticket, which was the case for most of my life. Now, it’s wait, you can’t have two women on the same ticket. Wait, you can’t have a woman and a gay guy on the same ticket. Wait, you can’t have two Black people on the same ticket. Wait, you can’t have a Black woman and a Jewish man on the same ticket. And now, thanks to the Republican VP Nominee J.D. Vance, we can also discriminate against childless “cat ladies” who, according to him, should not have an equal say in political decisions.
It is time to get over it. Here’s a concept. Let’s select the most qualified people to do the job, regardless of race, sex, or gender identity.
A case in point. Many of my friends have said that they wish Harris would select Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg as her running mate. He has been in the military. He has been a mayor. He has had a cabinet post and thus has been on the national stage. And of equal importance, he is extremely articulate, quick on his feet, passionate about climate change, and resonates well with young voters. But then my friends go on to say, “It is not going to happen. We cannot have a woman—especially a Black woman—and a gay man on the ticket together. Not in this racist country. It is not going to work.”
Should you care if the candidate is a convicted felon? The answer is yes. Should you care if the candidate lies consistently, or is patently unqualified given his past experience? The answer is yes. Should you care if the candidate is sexist or racist, discriminates against other Americans, and makes demeaning and cruel remarks about his opponent? The answer is yes. Should you care if the candidate espouses different views than your own about women’s reproductive rights, income inequality, climate change, education, taxes, and other substantive issues? The answer is yes.
It feels like some candidates are working from a playbook that worked decades ago but is no longer valid. Many Americans have evolved. The fact that a candidate is gay, or Black, or Jewish, or Catholic isn’t an issue for them. Many Americans have close relatives who are gay or trans, or of mixed race, and they want to be sure that they have the same rights and respect as every other American.
It is time to challenge conventional wisdom. The whole argument that if we give marginalized people more power—more equality–we will lose what we have is bogus. A rising tide lifts all boats.
I am making a fervent plea that we strive to seek the best candidate for the position regardless of race, gender identity, or looks. Let’s try to do the right thing for America. It is way past time to put divisive politics, gender, and race issues aside, and work with all our might to elect the most qualified candidates. This is a complex country with many pressing issues. We need to elect the best candidates who will implement appropriate solutions for the problems of the day. We must ensure that America works towards becoming the best that it can be.
Civil rights icon John Lewis said it best when he said, “Ours is not the struggle of one day, one week, or one year. Ours is not the struggle of one judicial appointment or presidential term. Ours is the struggle of a lifetime, or maybe even many lifetimes, and each one of us in every generation must do our part.”
We can do this. We can do better.
Maria Grant was principal-in-charge of the Federal human capital practice of an international consulting firm. While on the Eastern Shore, she focuses on writing, reading, piano, bicycling, kayaking, and nature.
Tracy Cameransi says
I would like to add that the Blueprint law in Maryland is an issue as well. It states hiring more diverse teachers. How is this any different from what you are espousing? We should hire teachers based on their education and ability. Not race!
Patty Heaps says
Should you care if your candidate’s plans and policies are simply an extension of the current administration on steroids? Should you care if your candidate knew how compromised Biden is yet played along? Should you care if your candidate is rabidly anti-Second Amendment? Should you care if your candidate hasn’t answered a single question yet? Should you care if your candidate was tasked with “the border” and millions have come across? Should you care if your candidate wants to give the right to vote to all, from illegals to felons? Should you care if your candidate encouraged donations to a bailout fund for rioters and looters? Yes, we can do better.
Gren Whitman says
Should you be concerned that your candidate is an America Firster? The original “birther”? A racist bully? Public misogynist? Serial fabulist? Convicted felon? Adjudicated rapist? An incompetent president? And a failed insurrectionist?
No name is necessary.
Deirdre LaMotte says
Perhaps you should care that it was Trump who torpedoed the most stringent bi partisan
border bill ever. Of course he did; he cares nothing for immigration reform, just a diss at Biden. What a little loser of a human he is.
Republicans find themselves with a 78 year old convicted felon who babbles incoherently and lies incessantly partnered with a hillbilly who has the personality of a dead clam.
They better start praying for a miracle.
Patty Heaps says
Perhaps you should go back and read that “bi-partisan” immigration bill because you obviously missed the point. Biden rolled back all of Trumps regulations, allowing – depending on who to believe – 10 – 17 million illegal immigrants and no, not refugees. He could fix it as easily as he dismantled it – and maybe after that, work on bringing back some of Trump’s energy policies that he also dismantled with “the stroke of a pen”.
Bob Moores says
Extremely well said, Maria!
What difference does it make? It makes a difference to bigots and numbskulls.
I’ve been around for a while and never saw it this bad before the Trump era.
Sue Dorsey says
Add to that: the person who will choose to surround him/herself with the most qualified staff.
Gren Whitman says
Much like Ms. Harris, Trump, too, is partly this and partly that: Partly convicted felon and partly adjudicated rapist.
Paula Reeder says
Very well said, Maria. Im hoping your words and wisdom resonate with voters throughout the US and spur them to vote to elect capable candidates who will work to make America better.