By John Q. Hosedrinker I’m voting for Kamala Harris, not because I believe she is owed a presidency but because I, along with countless others, deserve the future she’s championing. It’s clear to me that what is at stake extends far beyond Harris’s qualifications or my personal preferences; it’s about the stark contrast between her vision and the destructive path that Donald Trump represents. I tire of the chaotic whirlwind that seemed to define Trump’s presidency—a continuous state of drama that left me feeling exhausted and disengaged from the civic process. In contrast, the stability I’ve experienced under Biden and Harris has been refreshing, allowing me moments of peace I didn’t realize I craved so much.
Trump’s utter disrespect for democratic norms is a sin I cannot overlook. His entire approach, starting from questioning the legitimacy of the elections, has set a dangerous precedent. It’s not just that I have specific issues with Harris’s policies—though I do—but the sheer idea of allowing Trump back into the White House is too daunting. He has alienated people, spread hatred, and left a pitiful legacy of division that weighs heavily on this nation. Voting for Harris means protecting our democracy and choosing the lesser evil. The chaotic reality that Trump brought into our lives was unbearable, making each day feel like a new episode of an apocalyptic series, while the leadership of Harris promises a return to coherence and civility.
I yearn for policies that echo Harris’s commitment to economic justice. The accomplishments of the Biden and Harris administration speak volumes: investment in infrastructure, student loan forgiveness, and tackling healthcare costs represent a new trajectory for an America that clearly needs it. I deserve a government that recognizes and aims to alleviate the financial burdens many of us face. It’s a simple truth that her policies not only cater to my individual needs but reflect a broader desire for equality and support for our communities. I want to feel secure in the promise that relief isn’t a dream but a potential reality.
The personal stakes are high. I think about my loved ones—my wife, my daughter, my friends—and the world I want to help create for them. When I consider the implications of returning to a Trump-led government—a world where the rights of women are threatened, where LGBTQ+ individuals are vilified, and basic civil liberties dangle precariously—my choice becomes crystal clear. I deserve better for my family, and I refuse to allow fear-mongering and bigotry to dictate our home life and our society.
There is a prevailing notion that I owe my vote to our collective future, rather than seeking validation from the candidates. I see this as a civic duty, an obligation to choose the path of progress over regression. I’m not voting for Harris because I blindly follow a party line; I’m voting for her because I understand the depth of what Trump’s administration caused and the toll it took on our national spirit. The disdain for a functioning democracy that has bubbled up within segments of our society has left me appalled, and I feel a deep-rooted obligation to stand against it.
Harris embodies the potential for a brighter, more inclusive future, one that allows us to mend the fabric of our nation rather than tearing it apart further. It’s not only about what she deserves but ultimately what we all deserve: dignity, respect, and a government that serves the people. I believe in the power of the ballot, and with each vote cast, we collectively signal our desire for change and a definitive dissolution of the chaos that has haunted us for too long.
Voting for Kamala Harris this election cycle is my way of saying that we cannot return to the dark days of Trump’s presidency, nor can we allow his ideology to permeate our political landscape any longer. It is time to step into a future where peace and progress are possible, where my ability to make choices for myself and my family is respected, and where our leaders embody integrity and respect for democracy. Each of us deserves that, and I am resolute in my decision to advocate for it through my vote.