To the editor: It will be naive to consider that neither sexism nor racism performed a job in Vice President Kamala Harris’ defeat final month. However speak of her because the titular chief of the Democratic Celebration or a possible candidate for an additional workplace requires that Democrats be clear-eyed — first in regards to the social gathering’s failings, and second about Harris’ shortcomings. (“For a lot of Black girls, Kamala Harris’ defeat felt like a betrayal. Now what?” column, Dec. 18)
Sticking to what has been its path since a minimum of Invoice Clinton, the Democratic Celebration continues to like humanity however not achieve this properly with lots of people. Now it’s even shedding the ethnic minorities it took with no consideration.
As for Harris’ shortcomings, the fast succession of shifting marketing campaign themes — first it was “pleasure” (which was actually simply reduction), then “it’s all about abortion,” and eventually “Donald Trump is a fascist” — demonstrated that she was no higher a nominee in 2024 than when she was the primary to get out of the marketing campaign in 2019. She ought to head for personal life.
Democrats should do way over merely work on their “messaging.” Messaging is simply the TV jingle, the label on the pet food can.
In different phrases, the election was not a “betrayal” — not of ladies or Black voters basically. Whereas it’s unclear that anybody may have crushed Trump beneath the circumstances in 2024, the outcome should not be dismissed as a one-off.
David Van Iderstine, Los Angeles
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To the editor: Sure, what Teja Smith and different Black girls leaders really feel is real. However we have to keep in mind Harris got here inside 1.5 share factors of successful the favored vote, and that was due to individuals like Smith who’ve lead us with understanding, morality and goodness.
I’m a 78-year-old white girl who follows their lead. My husband and I donated cash to the marketing campaign, labored telephone banks and went door to door. When this election was misplaced, we felt just like the arc of justice had crashed at our toes.
However my pals jogged my memory that we should proceed the battle, and possibly the arc is longer than we assumed.
On Nov. 11, we attended a household reunion. All of us labored onerous for this election and have been heartbroken. We finally determined there are methods to perform or work towards our targets inside our communities.
Our nation must get to the top of the journey. To individuals like Smith, I say: Please don’t abandon your management, as a result of we’d like you.
Cheryl Youthful, Los Angeles
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To the editor: It’s not that Individuals of any race gained’t vote for a Black girl for president. It’s simply that they didn’t need the lady who was truly working.
The bulk wished somebody who was nominated, not anointed. They wished somebody who would reply to a query in fewer than 500 phrases.
Harris’ complete marketing campaign message may very well be summed up as, “If you happen to appreciated President Biden, you’ll love me.” The bulk didn’t like both one.
John Weber, Pomona
