Biden-Harris Ticket: A Historic Moment for Women in American Politics

Strategic Insights -

As the United States commemorates the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, granting American women the right to vote, the 2020 Democratic presidential ticket marks a significant milestone with the selection of Kamala Harris as Joe Biden's running mate. Harris, a U.S. senator from California and former attorney general, is the first woman of color to be chosen for a major party's vice-presidential nomination, making her the first female, first Black, and first Asian American vice president if elected. The Biden-Harris ticket faces the dual crises of the coronavirus pandemic and underlying social, racial, and economic injustices, and experts from UCLA weigh in on the significance of Harris's selection and its implications for women's rights and representation in American politics.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Biden-Harris ticket represents a historic moment for women in American politics, marking the fourth time a woman is on the ticket of a major party in the 26 presidential races since the 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote.
  • Kamala Harris is the first woman of color to be chosen as a vice presidential candidate for a major party and would be the first female, first Black, and first Asian American vice president if elected.
  • Women made up 54% of the overall electorate in the past election, making them a diverse and large group that requires representation in government.
  • Harris's background and experience as a law-and-order advocate make her a strong choice for the role, particularly in a year where law-and-order issues are a core topic.
  • Despite her qualifications, Harris's selection is not without controversy, with some pointing to her record as a prosecutor and her support for expedited release efforts during the pandemic.
  • The Biden-Harris ticket points to a future for the country that is more inclusive and reflects its rich diversity and cultural history.
  • The selection also highlights the symbolic significance of a Black woman and Asian woman entering public life as a prosecutor, raising questions about the intersection of politics and justice.

Statistics:

  • At least 53 people have died of COVID-19 in California state prisons and nearly 9,000 people have been infected.
  • Women made up 54% of the overall electorate in the past election.
  • Kamala Harris is the fourth woman to be on the ticket of a major party in 26 presidential races.

Sources:

  • Natalie Masuoka, associate professor of political science and Asian American studies, University of California Los Angeles
  • Grace Hong, director of the UCLA Center for the Study of Women and professor of Asian American studies, University of California Los Angeles
  • Sonja Diaz, founding executive director of the Latino Policy and Politics Initiative at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs
  • Juliette Williams, professor of gender studies, University of California Los Angeles
  • Ellen DuBois, professor emerita of history, University of California Los Angeles
  • Jessica Wolf, "Biden chooses Kamala Harris as running mate," The Bruin, August 12, 2020.