Rhonda McCormack

Because Harris cares about kids (and the other guy doesn’t)

At the DNC, when Michelle Obama said, “Hope is making a comeback,” followed by a “whew,” that soft exclamation hit me with force. It was an exclamation of relief and joy, reckoning and exuberance. It signaled the chance to shed worry and pain. It called for the hopeful to take action for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, our best shot at advancing equity, safety, and opportunity for all children and young people.

I’m talking about things like universal pre-K versus no childcare solutions. I’m talking about protecting the right to read versus book banning. I’m talking about common-sense gun laws versus ignoring gun violence as a public health crisis. I’m also talking about robust public-school funding and affordable college educations or satisfying post-graduation work. A Kamala Harris presidency also means support for women, who join children in being disproportionately impacted by the climate crisis and poverty, and who, with solid family planning, health care options, and pay equality, can reach their potential and further uplift those in their care.

Another “whew”-worthy fact about Kamala and Tim is they have long histories of protecting, serving, and championing youth. Just watch how they talk to kids! With joy, respect, and consideration. For me, this is a must-have trait in a leader. If you’re uncomfortable talking to, being with, or governing kids, educators, and families, you’re disqualified from leading into the future.

To close, I offer a famous “whew” statement from Ursula Nordstrom. When asked about her qualifications to be a children’s book editor, she said:

“I am a former child, and I haven’t forgotten a thing.”

That’s right. Most of us haven’t forgotten. The need to be safe, seen, loved. The hope to achieve our highest good. And we remember basic lessons of honesty, decency, and fairness and are qualified to know when someone is, or isn’t, those things. Kamala and Tim are, and we owe our children this vote. So, let’s give it to them. Whew!

Rhonda McCormack is a writer/artist of Storm Row Studio, where she creates zines and art.