Dear Senator Harris,
By: Joyce O'Day
Tags: 2020 Democratic Primary, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris

Dear Senator Harris,

Thank you for looking out for the interests of working and middle class Americans during these trying times. Although I am a strong supporter of Senator Sanders, early in Democratic primary season I closely examined all the candidates, and along with Senator Warren, you were one of my favorites. Despite the criticism you received for courting “big money” Wall Street donors and as a tough on crime — at any cost — Attorney General, I saw you as a strong contender who could beat Donald Trump in the general election. Just as you brilliantly put Joe Biden in his place during the first debate, I was confident in your ability to hold Trump painfully accountable. Sadly, your campaign ran out of funding and you exited the primary field far too early. But then you quickly endorsed Biden — a seriously flawed candidate — and I was sorely disappointed. It frankly seemed like blatant political posturing. My dream ticket had you as Bernie’s running mate, which would have been the perfect mix of left and center. Are you hoping to be Biden’s choice for V.P.? Was that the motivation behind your early departure from the primaries and your eager endorsement of Biden?

Despite the setback you recently faced in your run for the Democratic nomination, I trust that you have a long political career in your future. As an old lefty, I advise you to be mindful of the left wing of the Democratic Party. The youth is the future of our party and they are NOT looking for a return of the Obama days, they are looking for progressive change: Medicare for All, student loan forgiveness, access to post-secondary education or trade school, women’s control over their own bodies, the Green New Deal, etc. Barack Obama was an exceptional President given the unique situation of his presidency following the financial collapse, the ongoing wars in the Middle East, and his status as the first African American president. History will applaud the Obama presidency. However, running on Obama’s coattails — as Biden is doing — is not the solution to the problems America is facing today.

As you contemplate your political future, I urge you to separate yourself from the DNC pack. Aside from Elizabeth Warren, every other Democratic candidate bowed down to kiss Joe Biden’s ring, and while that may placate the center, the center is failing in the today’s polarized world. You have earned your place in the political circus — please be your own woman and not another tool of what appears to be a failing party. Trump has killed the Republican Party, and if Biden loses to Trump, it will be the death of the Democratic Party. And, if Biden loses, the Democrats will blame Bernie’s supporters — just like they did in 2016 — when the blame rests with the DNC forcing a candidate who is in no way up to the challenge, and everyone who backed Biden will share in the blame: you and Pete and Amy and Beto and even Cory! Hopefully Biden will win — I will be holding my nose to vote for him — and hopefully he will select you or Elizabeth as his running mate, because he will desperately need someone intellectually sharp at his side.

I honestly wish you the best in your future endeavors, and I will always see you as that little girl who was brave enough to stand up to oppression and the status quo.