OPINION: Local group endorses Harris for President

Madison Area Democratic Women (MADW) is honored to announce our organization’s resounding support for Vice President Kamala Harris’s candidacy for President of the United States of America. Presumptive nominee Harris has already made significant strides towards clinching the nomination, which will be finalized virtually by Aug. 7. In addition to the Tennessee delegates supporting Harris within hours of her endorsement by President Biden, she has now gained enough delegates overall to earn her the nomination while continuing to exceed record fundraising goals.

MADW’s mission states that “empowering women strengthens the entire community,” and we are adamant that it is time for a woman to run the highest office in our great nation. VP Harris has proven herself to be a champion for women’s causes. From advocating for women’s bodily autonomy to working to improve maternal healthcare, we know that Harris will make the fight for women’s equality central to her administration. Broadly, VP Harris has achieved a higher rank in the American government than any other woman in history. This stands in line with her success as Senator and Attorney General. Additionally, Harris has championed many progressive causes that will benefit younger generations. Her work to combat climate change, improve prescription drug costs, and lower housing costs are crucial to an America that provides life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all.

MADW is a progressive organization that welcomes all people who identify as women. We are especially interested in bolstering the voices of Women of Color. Harris, a Black and Indian-American woman, within hours of receiving Biden’s endorsement, held a conference call with 40,000 Women of Color, thus cementing her engagement with and dedication to this population. Moreover, we are confident that broad support from progressive Democratic groups working together to save our country from a dictatorship can and will win this election. Harris has the ability to unite disparate peoples, and her desire to serve America is greater than her ego.

It is for these reasons and more that we will heartily put our support behind Harris’s campaign, and we welcome women in the Madison County and surrounding communities to join us. We meet every first Tuesday of the month at 5:30 PM in the Jackson-Madison County Library, with our next meeting occurring Tuesday, Aug. 6. We encourage everyone to register to vote before the Election Day deadline, and we look forward to winning this election season.

Let freedom ring,

Liz Mayo, Ph.D., is the president of Madison Area Democratic Women. Contact her at madwomentfdw@gmail.com.