The Villanova College Democrats would like to endorse current Vice President Kamala Harris and her running-mate, the Governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz, for the 2024 presidential election. We believe that she is the candidate most aligned with our policy stances and the most willing to tackle the issues that are affecting us and our communities.
As young students, one of the issues that weigh most heavily on our minds is that of student loans and ensuring education becomes and remains accessible to all. Kamala Harris plans to provide student debt relief if she is elected to office, and her running-mate, Walz, has a background as a public-school teacher. They know the ways in which the school systems are currently struggling to support their staff and students and will work diligently to amend this ever-growing problem.
Further, Harris and Walz will fight climate change once elected to office by fighting for policies that will reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions that are heating up our planet. The issue of climate change affects us all as the city of Philadelphia set a record high temperature for this time of year this past week. To protect our futures and ensure that there is a future for the next generations to fight for, action must be taken on climate change, and Kamala Harris is willing to act.
Yet, another significant topic that emerged over the past few years as we attempt to recover from a global pandemic is that of healthcare. Whether it is specialized healthcare for women or something as simple as having access to a covid test, Harris will work to make sure that everyone can afford and have equal access to potentially life-saving healthcare, regardless of background or wealth.
Finally, one of the issues we find the most important in this upcoming election is that of protecting rights. Regardless of gender, race, sexuality, ability, religion, or immigration status people deserve to be treated with respect and kindness. In the US, we like to believe that we give everyone the same opportunity to seek freedom and liberty, but how can certain marginalized groups achieve this freedom if they are not even viewed as people? Harris and Walz believe that everyone is deserving of respect and should have their rights to freedom protected.
Ultimately, what this final point brings up is the emphasis on kindness, respect, and empathy for our fellow human beings that Harris has and will continue to practice if she is elected. She believes that we can come together despite our differences and create communities based on mutual respect and love for one another. And, right now, we know that bringing people together is one of the most important and necessary qualities for the leader of our wonderfully diverse country.
On Tuesday, November 5th, if you are able, please exercise your right to vote for the next US president, but do not forget to research and vote for the candidates down the ballot, too. Your voice matters!
