The possibilities are vast for former U.S. presidential candidate and current vice president Kamala Harris after her defeat by Donald Trump. Beyond politics, it is her commitment to young people and the issues she cares about that have stood out most since her recent remarks at Prince George’s Community College.
Harris urged young voters to “stay in the fight,” emphasizing the importance of persevering and not giving up in the face of obstacles. Her speech resonated as a call to action, a call for continued commitment to a better future. By emphasizing the need to meet challenges head on rather than give up, Harris showed her strong belief in the power of young people to positively influence the course of events.
Citing the uncertainty of her next steps after her term ends, speculation has arisen that she could become a voice of resistance against Trump or run for governor in California. At 60, Harris certainly still has a role to play in politics, perhaps even a run for president again. However, competition within the Democratic Party and a desire for renewal among voters could be challenges to overcome.
Democrats, following the Republican takeover of the White House and Congress, are still trying to figure out the best path forward for their party. Harris, while serving alongside President Joe Biden, has focused her efforts on college campuses and youth-sensitive issues like gun violence and climate change. Her engagement has also extended to the international stage, meeting with young people in Africa and Asia as part of U.S. diplomatic efforts.
Through her call to “chart our path forward,” Harris inspires hope and an urgency for change. Her commitment to Gen Z and future leaders shines through in her speeches, marking a contrast to Trump’s more traditional approach. Yet despite her efforts, Harris has failed to engage young voters as much this year as Biden did in 2016, illustrating the challenges of appealing to this segment of the electorate.
In sum, Kamala Harris’s future remains one of both possibilities and challenges. Her role in the post-election American political landscape is yet to be determined, but her message of hope, action, and perseverance resonates as an invitation to continue believing in a better future, no matter what path we take.