"We can't just give in": Women of color are still processing Harris' loss while preparing for Trump [View all]

"We can't just give in": Women of color are still processing Harris' loss while preparing for Trump
Women of color spoke to Salon about Harris' defeat and how they're planning to fight Trump this time around

By Tatyana Tandanpolie
Staff Reporter
Published January 15, 2025 9:00AM (EST)


(Salon) Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential campaign came and went almost like a fever dream. In just 100 days, she clinched the Democratic nomination, found a favorable running mate in Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, released an ambitious economic plan to address Americans' concerns and — most importantly, it seemed — reinvigorated a Democratic base that President Joe Biden's candidacy had left disaffected.

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"She Black-womaned — she did what we do," (Meredith) Turner, who is Black, told Salon in a phone interview. "She ran an exquisitely inclusive, diverse campaign. Our platform was solid. It was one of inclusion, and it was forward thinking."

Turner said that she still revisits her pictures and videos of moments from the DNC in August, those memories helping to keep her motivated in the wake of Trump's win. While she said she intends to continue working across the political aisle in Ohio to deliver returns for its citizens, she has also decided to take a step back from collective organizing.

"I don't see the benefit of that right now," she said. "I think we need to get in these schools, we need to start talking to the next generation of voters. As a policymaker — we need results for the American people. I'm moving away from the activist and becoming more of the advocate."

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"For women of color — who are often behind the scenes and not considered a strong runner, or not allowed to step up into the light — that was a moment of pride," said Patricia Campos-Medina, a former U.S. Senate candidate for New Jersey and a longtime labor organizer.

Harris' candidacy will inspire other women across the country to take on the mantle and run for leadership positions, argued Campos-Medina, also the president of Latina Civic, a nonpartisan political action committee seeking to boost Latina candidates. ..............(more)

https://www.salon.com/2025/01/15/we-cant-just-give-in-women-of-color-are-still-processing-harris-loss-while-preparing-for/