The Road to Defeat Trump in 2020

The upcoming Democratic convention will feature two significant figures in American politics: Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris. Clinton, the first woman nominated for president by a major party, will address the convention on Monday night, while Harris will make history on Thursday as the second woman to receive a presidential nomination. Both women have garnered substantial support from female voters, although Harris's percentage slightly trails that of Barack Obama, indicating a broader gender gap. Maureen Dowd reflects on Clinton's loss in the 2016 election, asserting that it was not solely due to her gender but rather her identity as a Clinton. This distinction highlights a key difference between Harris and Clinton; Harris is perceived as less encumbered by gender-related issues. Healy notes that while Clinton's allies emphasized the importance of female solidarity, Clinton herself struggled with the aggressive image that critics had painted of her, which may have hindered her campaign. Michelle Goldberg points out that Harris's path to nomination was unconventional, as she did not directly challenge a male opponent but instead supported one and stepped in when the party required her leadership. This unique trajectory may provide Harris with an advantage in navigating the complexities of gender dynamics in politics, setting her apart from her predecessor. As the convention approaches, the focus on these two women underscores the evolving landscape of female representation in American political life.