By Felicia J. Persaud
News Americas, New York, NY, 22 August 2024: The Democratic National Convention, (DNC), kicked off on August 19 with a wave of excitement, promising to be an inclusive event that would highlight the unique story and qualifications of Vice President Kamala Harris, who suddenly found herself elevated at the top of the ticket as the Democratic candidate for President of the United States. However, as an independent Caribbean American voter, I was disappointed by some missed opportunities to connect with key voting blocs during this critical race.
First, playing politics with the Middle East crisis was a grave miscalculation. The suffering of tens of thousands in Gaza should have been received with the same level of attention as the Israeli hostages. The bloc of Muslim voters, along with others deeply concerned about the issue, represents an important and largely undecided segment that deserved inclusion in the DNC’s message. However, the convention failed to field anyone who championed the cause, even as President Biden’s support faded, leading to his sudden exit from the race. This was a glaring omission. Harris’s focus in her speech did little to address the concerns of those who feel this administration has supported continued violence against Gazans, with US weapons still being sent to Israel.
To say that Donald Trump would be worse on this issue is no solution or consolation to those who feel betrayed.
Second, the continued neglect of Harris’ Caribbean American heritage is disheartening. Caribbean Americans make up 10% of the foreign-born population in the US, and yet the DNC’s narrative consistently sidelined this part of Harris’ identity. Harris is not only “black and South Asian,” but also a black woman of Caribbean heritage. If elected, she would be the first black, Caribbean and South Asian American president. However, this significant aspect of her identity was largely ignored by speakers, with the exception of Oprah Winfrey.
Harris mentioned her father briefly in her speech, recalling childhood memories, but there was no acknowledgment of his Jamaican or Caribbean heritage. This oversight, in such a close election, is politically unwise and disrespectful to her father’s legacy. Whatever personal issues Harris may have with her father, she must constantly acknowledge his role as a Jamaican and Caribbean immigrant in her story. As her only living parent, he had to be present at the convention. Another violation I believe.
Additionally, the legacy of the late Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, a black and Caribbean American pioneer, was completely overlooked. Chisholm, the daughter of Guyanese and Barbadian immigrants, was the first black woman to seek the presidential nomination of a major party. Harris stands on her shoulders. A tribute to Chisholm should have been part of the convention, especially on the final night leading up to Harris’ speech, instead of some of the less meaningful moments on stage.
As Harris appeals more to minority voters, particularly Caribbean Americans and Asians, the DNC also missed an opportunity to include Jamaican-American Congresswoman Yvette Clarke and Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal as speakers on the final night at the start of her speech. This could have energized voters outside this arena who may not feel connected to Harris or aware of the historical significance of her candidacy.
Regardless of what the polls suggest, this election will be close. Many Black, Muslim, Latino and Caribbean American voters remain undecided and need to feel seen and heard. Most importantly, the black vote is not monolithic and the KDK should know this.
The DNC and the Harris campaign missed a crucial moment this week, one that must be addressed quickly if they hope to build the coalition necessary for victory on November 5th.
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