OPINION:
In the case of Vice President Kamala Harris, with regard to voters an old adage applies: When you point your finger at someone else, there are three pointing back at you.
It was very clear early on that Sen. Harris was not presidential (or vice-presidential) material. The rapidity with which her campaign fizzled and folded out showed that. Yet Americans allowed themselves to be seduced by the race, gender and “being first” cards. In years gone by in just about every field of endeavor, being a Caucasian male was the established standard, whether one was competent or not.
Thus, whenever a Black and/or female individual joined some exclusive category, it meant that the color or gender bar had been overcome and a door had opened to others qualified, often more than qualified. The lucky or unlucky pioneer, depending on one’s point of view, was the “Magnificent First,” such as Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall, Mae Jemison et al.
Unfortunately, Harris was selected solely because she, if elected, would be the first female vice president, and because she is of color. Biden made that clear when he indicated he would select a woman of color as his runningmate. There was apparently no thought to qualifications. He baited the hook and a number of voters bit.
So now what? If the 25th Amendment is invoked, a new vice president must be selected and confirmed by Congress. The decision must be based on competency, not the politics of identity. That person will be doing the real work of leading the nation until 2024.
HESSIE L. HARRIS
Silver Spring, Md.
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