By Syed Atiq ul Hassan
As I write, the U.S. presidential election has reached its final voting stage, with predictions divided on the outcome. On one side stands former President Donald Trump, and on the other is Kamala Devi Harris, an Indian-American or African-American who identifies herself as an African-American. Analysts predict a close race, underscoring the high stakes of this election.
Donald Trump is known for his unconventional approach, distinct from traditional US Democratic and Republican leaders. Often criticized by mainstream media, Trump is unbothered by this scrutiny, relying instead on his loyal social media following. His “America First” stance emphasizes prioritizing domestic change over international concerns. His administration made waves with direct negotiations, such as in his last tenure his landmark meeting with North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un. Trump has promised to bring similar diplomatic breakthroughs if re-elected, claiming he could resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict quickly and pursue peace in the Middle East, including between Israel and Palestine.
During his campaign, Trump’s approach toward countries like Pakistan has also garnered attention. While US-Pakistani relations have traditionally aligned with American policy, Trump has advocated for supporting Pakistan’s popular political leadership rather than merely aligning with its ruling institutions. His favourable treatment of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has led many Pakistani Americans to back him in this election.
Trump has also addressed concerns from South American communities, proposing economic aid for Mexico and pathways to legalize undocumented residents. This outreach has won him support from Mexican Americans and other Latin American communities, who have historically viewed US immigration policies with scepticism.
Kamala Devi Harris, Trump’s opponent, entered the race under unique circumstances. Initially, she was not the Democratic Party’s frontrunner, but when President Joe Biden’s health issues became apparent, Democratic leaders rallied around Kamala as their candidate. Kamala currently serving as Vice President, embraced the challenge and has since campaigned energetically.
Despite identifying as African American, Kamala’s background has come under public scrutiny. Born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California, she is the daughter of Shyamala Gopalan, a Tamil Indian researcher, and Donald Harris, an African American economist. Raised with a strong focus on education, Kamala Harris went on to earn a law degree, beginning her legal career as a prosecutor in Alameda County. She later served as San Francisco’s District Attorney and, in 2010, became California’s Attorney General. By 2016, she had won a seat in the US Senate, becoming the second Black and first Indian American Senator.
Kamala Harris briefly pursued the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020 but withdrew, later becoming Joe Biden’s running mate. Her role as Vice President has been marked by active engagement, supporting Mr. Biden on key issues and building her political profile. Now, with the final election results imminent, Kamala stands on the brink of possibly becoming the first female Black and Indian American president of the United States.
If elected, it remains to be seen how Kamala Harris will approach global and domestic challenges. Will she adopt a traditional Democratic stance, or will she bring a fresh approach to the current complex political landscape? Her decisions may have far-reaching implications, potentially influencing peace efforts and preventing future conflicts on the global stage. (The writer is a Sydney-based journalist a political analyst and editor, Tribune International, Australia. His email address is shassan@tribune-intl.com).
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