The question is delicate, I agree.
Yet it is now one of the most fundamental issues in the race for the White House.
US Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to be the Democratic nominee in November’s election… but are Americans ready to elect a black woman president?
“At some level, I would say no, I don’t think so,” says Gina Miranda Samuels, a director of the Center for the Study of Race, Politics and Culture at the University of Chicago.
“I don’t think America or any Western nation is ready for non-white leadership at the highest levels,” she says, despite Barack Obama being elected president of the United States in 2008.
Here, I warn you: wait a moment before jumping to conclusions and telling yourself that Kamala Harris has no chance against Donald Trump. This expert’s answer doesn’t stop there. It gives a good dose of nuance and perspective.
The rest of our discussion is proof of this.
“But you know, if Black people, and particularly Black women, waited for white people to feel ready or comfortable with us, with our presence in a space or with our success and our leadership, none of what Black people have ever accomplished in the world would have happened.”
She also sees reasons for hope in the colossal sums collected by Kamala Harris as soon as Joe Biden threw in the towel.
“That means some people are ready. And they’re more ready for her than they are to continue with Joe Biden.”
She also points out the many endorsements quickly obtained by the vice-president, the enthusiasm of many activists and their desire to contribute to her possible victory.
“There are good reasons to think she has incredible luck [de gagner]. But I’m 56, I’m a black woman, and I don’t believe in Santa Claus anymore. We’ll see.”
I also asked Mary Hayashi if she thinks Americans are now ready to elect a black woman to the White House.
This former California congresswoman (from 2006 to 2012), born in South Korea, is now a consultant. She notably worked within the team that helped Karen Bass win the post of mayor of Los Angeles two years ago. Mme Bass thus became the first African-American woman to lead the Californian metropolis.
I got the same kind of response I got when I interviewed Gina Miranda Samuels. The kind that Elon Musk wouldn’t like, because it can’t be summed up in less than 280 characters, but it’s very enlightening.
Mary Hayashi first told me about the changing social attitudes of Americans.
We’ve made tremendous progress on representation. Vice President Kamala Harris is both Black and South Asian, showing that the country is increasingly accepting of — and ready for — diverse leadership.
Mary Hayashi, former California congresswoman
According to the consultant, the election of Kamala Harris as vice president of the United States, like that of Barack Obama as president, “shows what is possible.”
Polls also show that there is more openness to diversity in the political world in the United States. “Even at the Republican convention that was held recently, political leaders emphasized diversity and representation,” she notes.
But, there is a but.
“At the same time, we cannot ignore the challenges. Systemic barriers such as racial bias and sexism still exist and can impact the prospects of Black women in politics.”
Mary Hayashi published an essay last year entitled Women in Politics: Breaking Down Barriers to Achieve True RepresentationAmong these barriers, she explains, is the “double standard of sympathy.”
As soon as a woman announces her candidacy for political office, she is no longer sympathetic, because we are not supposed to seek leadership positions. I think there is a lot of unconscious bias against women candidates, because women are often penalized for their ambition and assertiveness.
Mary Hayashi, former California congresswoman
Because Kamala Harris is a woman, it might be harder for her to get elected than it was for Barack Obama, says Gina Miranda Samuels.
She uses the term “misogynoire,” the intersection of racism and sexism, explaining that the vice president will be the target of discriminatory attacks on both fronts.
“I think the hatred that we’re going to see directed at her is going to be a particular form of hatred that’s very marked by misogynoir, which every black woman knows well,” she predicts.
She also believes that Kamala Harris will not be able to ignore her own identity when she selects her running mate. “She will have to choose someone who counterbalances her femininity and the fact that she is black.”
It’s no coincidence that most of the names circulating are those of white men, like Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro or Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear.
I suspect you would like a definitive answer as to whether Kamala Harris can truly defeat Donald Trump. So do I. But it is far too early for reliable predictions.
What is beyond doubt is that a black woman will face more obstacles than a white man in a race for the White House. And likely more than a black man or a white woman.
However, allow me to point out that in 2008, many people thought that Barack Obama could never be elected to the White House because of the color of his skin.
And yet…
What do you think? Join the dialogue