By John Q. Hosedrinker It has fallen to me, the humor columnist, to endorse Kamala Harris for president, and honestly, that’s a little surreal. When I think about the role of a columnist, the first image that springs to mind is not that of a political pundit, but rather a person whose job is to use humor to hold a mirror up to society’s absurdities. Yet here I am, in what feels like a moment that demands serious reflection, navigating the chaotic terrain of the 2024 election. It’s ironic that my endorsement matters so much now that traditional media outlets, like the Washington Post, have opted for silence. After all, isn’t it the function of journalism to advocate for democracy, to shine a light on the candidates who might navigate us through these turbulent waters?
I don’t take this responsibility lightly. My endorsement of Harris isn’t just a whimsical declaration; it stems from a profound concern for the world into which my soon-to-arrive baby will be born. With my due date looming in early January, I can’t help but think what sort of reality my child might wake up to. It’s tough to be pregnant and grapple with the swirling uncertainties of the future. As I imagine bringing this new person into a world shaped by political decisions, I realize I care deeply about who leads us. I want a leader who embodies hope rather than fear, someone who visualizes a future where collaboration is favored over division.
The alternative to Harris—Donald Trump—seems to embody everything I hope we can move away from. His allure seems rooted in a nostalgic fantasy, suggesting that the past was rosier when we know that progress is often the result of tireless struggle against the odds. Life for marginalized groups has been a battle against what Trump represents, a tyrant whose mere presence risks shattering the fragile fabric of democracy. To settle for “maybe he’ll forget his threats” is absurd. I am not willing to gamble the future of this country—or my child’s future—on the whims of a man whose record openly degrades democratic values.
What strikes me about this election cycle is how many voices seem to be retreating into silence, likely due to fear of backlash or potential consequences. The weight of silence is heavy, and it is in stark contrast to those who fought for our right to express and report freely. Trust in journalism has never felt more tenuous. I see my profession standing at a crossroads, with stark choices looming ahead, and here I am, a humor columnist taking up the mantle of responsibility that others have sidestepped.
My solidarity with Harris is not born from a place of frivolity but from a genuine desire for stability and hope. I understand that my voice might not carry the same weight as others, yet it is the culmination of thoughts and feelings that have only intensified as I witness the growing chaos surrounding us. Harris’s leadership offers the potential to restore dignity to our institutions, and that is something monumental. In a time when democracy feels fragile—like it could shatter at any moment—supporting a candidate who values the will of the people is imperative.
Deciding to endorse a candidate who represents a vision for a better future feels less like an option and more like a responsibility. When I write that I back Harris, I’m not just expressing a preference; I’m talking about a future that involves nurturing the tender hopes of a new generation. Looking at her policy positions, I sense a genuine commitment to issues like healthcare, climate change, and social justice, which will undoubtedly shape a safer and more just world for my child to thrive in.
In ending this exercise in political advocacy masquerading as humor, I reflect on how absurd it is that it falls to me to engage in this conversation at all. However, as I hold this quirk of fate in my hands, I can only hope my humble endorsement serves as a lightbulb moment for others to join the discourse. Kamala Harris deserves our support, not simply because she stands as an alternative to a destructive political force, but because she presents a beacon of hope that I can believe in as I prepare to welcome my child into this world. If we allow ourselves the reach of possibility rather than retreating into silence, perhaps we can shape the world for the better.