Why Vice President Kamala Harris Prefers Gen Z
Vice President Kamala Harris recently said, “I love Gen Z,” while speaking at the Ritz-Carlton in Boston. Harris reflected on her “Fight for Our Freedoms” college tour and the impact of young voters on politics. She emphasized the urgency that young people feel about issues like gun violence, climate change, and abortion rights.
At 59, Harris has actively tried to energize young voters, recognizing that they were instrumental in her and President Biden’s 2020 victory. However, recent polls show a decrease in support from young voters, with only 42% indicating their support for Biden. Harris is now focusing on issues affecting young people, such as abortion rights, gun violence, the climate crisis, and student loan debt relief, attempting to strike a chord with younger demographics.
Harris’ political brand and biography align with the activism that defines Gen Z voters, given her parents’ involvement in the civil rights movement during the 1960s. Being the nation’s first female, Black, and Asian American vice president, she understands and embodies the issues that matter most to the younger generation.
With the upcoming election, Harris and her team are hoping for a contrast with the previous administration and are looking to appeal to issue-oriented voters. However, Gen Z’s political stance is not bound by party loyalty, and Harris’ approach will heavily rely on standing out as a candidate aligned with the core values and visions of young voters.
As a visible representation of the current administration, Harris continues to focus her efforts on young voters, acknowledging the need for widespread validation of concerns and a clear plan from leaders on how to address these issues.
Though Harris’ college tour focused on reproductive rights, recent events, such as the Israel-Hamas war, have caused divisions within the Democratic party and could pose complications for Biden and Harris’ support. Despite potential hurdles, Harris remains committed to addressing the concerns of young voters and advocating for change that resonates with Gen Z supporters.
At a time of heightened political awareness among young people, Harris will need to address widely discussed issues, such as the Israel-Hamas conflict, to remain aligned with the values and aspirations of Gen Z voters.
