In his seminal essay The Subjection of Women, John Stuart Mill passionately argues for the equality of women, challenging the norms of Victorian society. His essay provides a moral and philosophical foundation for my belief that supporting Kamala Harris’s presidential bid is not only essential for gender equality but also crucial for societal progress. While Mill primarily addressed legal and social subjugation, his insights extend naturally to politics, where the absence of women in the Oval Office symbolizes a continued form of inequality. Supporting Harris aligns with Mill’s vision for justice, equality, and the full inclusion of women in leadership, making her candidacy historically significant and morally imperative.
But in my opinion, even if the only reason to vote for Harris was the symbolic breakthrough her election represents, it would be enough. Voting for Kamala Harris because she is a woman and because of what that represents in terms of social progress is a sufficient reason, in my estimation, especially given the high stakes of this election cycle.
A Binary Political System and the Evolution of Beliefs
Unfortunately, our political system is binary, offering little room for nuance. Traditionally, this forced both parties to moderate to appeal to a broad spectrum of voters. For example, Vice President Harris has been adapting some of her more progressive positions to win over a wider audience. Some may see this as political maneuvering, but at least she is trying to connect with a broader electorate beyond her base. Contrast this with Donald Trump, who has made no significant effort to broaden his appeal. In fact, on the contentious issue of border security, Trump killed bipartisan legislation that would have helped address significant issues in the border crisis. He did so because he deemed trafficking in problems more helpful to his reelection efforts. Remember this as you weigh your decision come November.
In full disclosure, my political views have evolved, and Trump has played a central role in that change. He is not a true Republican in the traditional sense. Growing up, we were told by conservatives that the ends should never justify the means. But by 2016, that principle was abandoned. I felt betrayed by a party that was central to my political maturation. So much so, that I couldn’t support Trump then, and I cannot support him now. I cannot support the party that continues to defend Trump and his actions.
Abortion, Autonomy, and Harris’s Leadership
My support for Harris also reflects a change in my position on abortion. I still find abortion morally troubling, but I now believe it should remain legal because it concerns primarily women’s autonomy. No reasonable person is “for” abortion; it’s about preserving a deeply personal choice. Kamala Harris stands by this belief in autonomy, especially after the Dobbs decision, which led to an increase in abortions and created extreme laws in places like Texas, where doctors fear prosecution for providing necessary care. Harris’s position on this issue prioritizes justice and compassion and seeks to reinstate the protections of Roe.
The Injustice of Exclusion in Leadership
Mill’s core argument in The Subjection of Women is that denying women equal rights is unjust. He equates women’s legal subordination to slavery, where one group is arbitrarily granted authority over another. When applied to politics, this argument becomes urgent. Women have historically been excluded from political leadership, and even though legal barriers have been lifted, the underrepresentation of women continues. Supporting Kamala Harris challenges the remnants of this exclusion and helps rectify an enduring injustice.
The absence of women in presidential leadership is not just symbolic—it impacts policies that affect all citizens. Mill’s belief in the “principle of perfect equality” demands that political leadership must include women so it is just and fair. Kamala Harris’s candidacy is a step toward achieving this ideal.
A Better Future with Harris’s Leadership
Harris is a competent, accomplished leader—a former prosecutor, senator, and now vice president. She is optimistic, forward-thinking, and envisions a better future. In contrast, Trump focuses on grievances, denies losing the 2020 election, and even praised the January 6th attack on the Capitol—an event he could have stopped but chose not to. Numerous Republicans, including members of his own previous administration, have endorsed Harris, recognizing her leadership.
While no president directly controls economic indicators, Biden and Harris’s policies have helped steer the country through the pandemic and avoid a recession. Growth is up, inflation is slowing, and the stock market is strong. These are signs of recovery, and Harris’s leadership has been integral to these improvements. We need to hear more from her, but we already know what Trump will do if re-elected—he has promised to prosecute political enemies and act as a dictator on day one. He has consistently shown us who he is. It is time that we believed him.
Challenging Stereotypes and Moving Forward
Mill also addresses the stereotypes that have historically kept women in subservient roles. He argued that these beliefs are socially constructed rather than rooted in biology. In politics, these stereotypes still exist. Kamala Harris continues to face sexist assumptions about her competence and emotional stability, assumptions rarely applied to male candidates. Supporting Harris is a powerful way to challenge these stereotypes and reshape societal expectations. When women are visible in leadership, they dismantle the notion that leadership is inherently masculine.
I also believe that it’s time this nation had a woman president, especially a woman of color. This would be a resounding denunciation of the aims of MAGA. And to be clear, MAGA is an empty slogan—America has never been great for all its citizens, but it has the potential to be. Kamala Harris can help move us toward that vision. Trump, on the other hand, seeks only to drag us backward.
A Call to Support Kamala Harris
John Stuart Mill’s The Subjection of Women offers a powerful rationale for why supporting Kamala Harris is both a moral and practical choice. Her leadership challenges historical injustices, improves the quality of governance, and paves the way for a more inclusive future. Mill’s vision of equality demands that we actively work to support women in leadership roles. Kamala Harris’s candidacy represents a pivotal moment in our history, and voting for her helps fulfill the promise of a more just and equitable society. I don’t want to go back—I want to move forward, and I believe Kamala Harris is the leader who will help us progress towards that noble aim.
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