Vice President Kamala Harris has the opportunity to potentially become the first woman to serve as president of the United States, following U.S. President Joe Biden’s decision to end his reelection bid. Harris has intimate ties to Canada, having spent formative years in Montreal and graduating from Westmount High School in 1981. Her time in the city is detailed in her memoir, where she discusses arriving as a 12-year-old when her mother, a breast cancer researcher, took a job at McGill University. Dean Smith, who attended the same high school as Harris, expressed his excitement at the prospect of her potentially becoming the next president, highlighting her inspirational journey for local youth, especially young girls.
Harris’s experience as vice president, along with the potential for her to run for president, serves as motivation for American youth living in Canada to get involved in American politics. Democrats Abroad Canada chair Erin Kotecki-Vest hopes that Harris’s connection to Canada and her formative years spent in Montreal will inspire Canadians to participate in American politics. She believes that having someone with knowledge of their culture and area in a position of leadership can bring comfort to both Canadians and Americans living in Canada. While Democrats Abroad is not officially endorsing anyone yet, Kotecki-Vest personally feels that Harris as a presidential candidate makes perfect sense and provides American voters with a transparent choice.
Harris is the first woman, Black person, or person of South Asian descent to serve as vice president in the United States. Biden announced his decision to step aside amid concerns about the viability of his candidacy, giving his full support and endorsement to Harris to run against Donald Trump for the presidency. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi has also endorsed Harris for the position. The potential for Harris to become the first woman president of the United States has generated excitement and optimism, especially among those who knew her during her high school years in Montreal. Her authenticity and ability to connect with people are qualities that have remained consistent throughout her life, as noted by individuals who have observed her over the years.
The impact of Harris potentially becoming president would extend beyond her historic achievement as the first woman in the position. Her journey as a Black woman with ties to Canada serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for marginalized communities, particularly young girls who may see themselves reflected in her story. Harris’s presence in the political arena also offers a sense of familiarity and understanding to Canadians and Americans living in Canada, reassuring them that their concerns and values are being represented at the highest levels of government. The support from both Biden and Pelosi further demonstrates the confidence in Harris’s ability to lead and make a meaningful impact on the future of the country.
As Harris considers a potential presidential bid, her background and experiences in Montreal are being highlighted as integral parts of her identity and leadership style. The connections she made during her time in Canada, along with her ability to bridge cultural divides and connect with people from diverse backgrounds, are seen as strengths that could benefit her in a presidential campaign. The significance of Harris potentially becoming the first woman president of the United States cannot be understated, as it would represent a historic milestone in the country’s history and inspire future generations of leaders. The support and enthusiasm surrounding Harris’s candidacy reflect a shift towards greater diversity and representation in American politics, signaling a broader movement towards inclusive leadership.
