My humanism dictates that I vote for Kamala Harris. Why? Because her values align with the principles of empathy, justice, and a commitment to the well-being of all people—principles that are the foundation of humanism.
I’ll cover some of the reasons and I want to address Gaza first because it’s a shocking humanitarian issue that people care about, but emotions may be clouding a rational perspective. Unlike Trump, who has shown little regard for the complexities of the situation and wants Israel to “finish the job,” Kamala Harris understands that both Israelis and Palestinians deserve the right to life and liberty. She has spoken out against humanitarian atrocities and has the courage to challenge even powerful allies like Israel when necessary. This empathy and ethical governance are crucial in a leader who must navigate global conflicts. Kamala Harris spoke out against Netanyahu’s actions, chose not to attend his address to Congress, and highlighted the horrible humanitarian atrocities she wants to see end in her acceptance speech at the DNC. While she rightfully acknowledges Israel’s right to protect itself from terrorist attacks and maintain sovereign land, she noted in her acceptance speech that:
“what has happened in Gaza over the past 10 months is devastating. So many innocent lives lost. Desperate, hungry people fleeing for safety over and over again. The scale of suffering is heartbreaking. President Biden and I are working to end this war, such that Israel is secure, the hostages are released, the suffering in Gaza ends, and the Palestinian people can realize their right to dignity, security, freedom, and self-determination.”
Trump is incapable of empathy, and for simply enriching him financially will gladly look away from any atrocities. In fact, Miriam Adelson is funding Trump with at least 100 million and likely to be his largest donor. Her primary request is that he promise that he will give Israel sovereignty over the West Bank. Anyone that cares about humanity must ensure that he isn’t empowered to look the other way. It’s easy to be upset over atrocities and point fingers, but it takes a thoughtful and compassionate individual to appreciate the nuance, diplomacy, and empathy that Kamala Harris brings to leadership.
Climate change is another area where Kamala Harris shines. She recognizes that climate change harms us all, especially the most vulnerable, and is acting on it. Under the Biden administration, significant strides have been made in addressing climate change, and Kamala Harris is committed to continuing this progress. In stark contrast, Trump’s plans would reverse our climate progress and even erase all references to climate change from government discourse. His actions threaten every living being on Earth, making it clear that he prioritizes corporate profits over human lives. The scale of inhumanity is off the charts and incomparable to any other issue. The contrast is stark. Kamala will do what is right to protect all life on Earth, while Trump will gladly assist his fossil fuel lobbyist donors in imperiling all life on Earth. It’s a disgusting betrayal of humanity and life, and it calls on anyone who considers themselves a humanist to take a stance on this issue alone.
Kamala Harris has consistently shown a balanced and empathetic approach to immigration reform, recognizing the need to secure our borders while also addressing the humanitarian needs of those seeking asylum. She understands that immigrants, who statistically commit less crime than natural-born citizens, significantly contribute to the economy and the moral fabric of our society. In stark contrast, Donald Trump has consistently lied about immigrants and the border, fueling anti-American xenophobia likely rooted in his own ignorance and racism. He instructed Republicans to shut down a bipartisan border bill that had nearly unanimous support from Republicans solely because he believed it would help him win an election. Trump’s selfish motive was to brainwash his base into believing that Democrats had done nothing on the border, showing his complete disregard for the country and its people.
So many Americans are dying from gun violence, anyone that cares about those lives would want solutions. Harris’s unwavering commitment to enacting meaningful gun control measures reflects a genuine concern for our lives and the safety of all Americans. Her advocacy for universal background checks, an assault weapons ban, and holding the gun industry accountable underscores her dedication to protecting our communities. In contrast, Trump’s dismissive attitude towards mass shootings—suggesting that gun violence is something America must “move past”—reveals a troubling disregard for the lives lost and the trauma inflicted on survivors and their families. His refusal to confront the issue with meaningful legislation because he’s paid off by the gun industry is not only negligent but also morally indefensible. For those who value empathy, justice, and the well-being of all people, Kamala Harris represents a clear choice in the fight against gun violence and the preservation of human dignity.
Additionally, Trump’s sociopathy, as highlighted by former administration officials Olivia Troye and Stephanie Grisham, is a grave threat to American democracy. They’ve spoken about how Trump’s disregard for the rule of law and democracy will lead to disastrous consequences. In contrast, Kamala Harris’s empathy and dedication to justice make her the right choice to protect the American people. Her actions, as shared in speeches by Jasmine Crockett and DL Hughley at the DNC, show her ability to educate with kindness and lead with compassion—traits sorely lacking in Trump. Giving an indecent rapist, sociopath, fraud, and compulsive liar such a platform to make us all worse as a people risks our mental health, as he literally traumatized Americans and made us all less healthy.
The issue of women’s rights further highlights the stark contrast between these two candidates. Trump’s abortion ban has already cost lives and stripped women of their bodily autonomy. Kamala Harris, on the other hand, is committed to restoring these rights if Democrats can control Congress. She understands that women deserve the freedom to make decisions about their own bodies—freedom that Trump seeks to further erode with a nationwide abortion ban.
While I can’t possibly cover all the stark differences between a scumbag like Trump and an incredibly kind, compassionate, and competent woman like Kamala Harris, I’ll end by noting her commitment to allowing the LGBTQ community to live their lives in peace. This stands in sharp contrast to Trump and his team, who hope to take the community back to a time of less freedom. Kamala Harris fights for the dignity and rights of all Americans, while Trump and his followers work to strip them away.
If empathy, justice, and humanism matter to you, voting for Kamala Harris is the only logical choice. She embodies these values and stands in stark contrast to a man incapable of any of them
Tim Walz will make sure your children can eat.