As an Indian-American mother who values ​​democracy and freedom, I support Kamala Harris for President

Kamala Harris is unknown to most of us. Her role as Vice President is underestimated and her work often dismissed. With just over two months to go, Democrats face the challenge of getting to know their candidate while aligning their machine with a momentum that should already be present at this stage of the election. The party has rallied behind Kamala and given her its full support to inspire the confidence needed.

The congress was well organised to promote democracy, patriotism, unity, hope and optimism. The list of speakers was brilliant – there was something for everyone. Most of the speeches were thought-provoking, some electrifying. The enthusiasm in the audience was palpable.

I now have a better idea of ​​Kamala Harris through her biography and through those who knew and worked with her. Biracial, middle class, hard-working family, raised by a single mother, a child of divorce are facets of her life that are relatable to the diverse audience she appeals to. Her track record as district attorney, attorney general and senator speaks of her commitment to the people, regardless of ethnicity, color, race or gender.

By choosing Tim Walz as her running mate, Kamala has filled all the possible gaps in the candidacy – a middle-class father with strong family values, a white man, gun owner, trainer, veteran and teacher. We have come to know him as sincere, compassionate and dedicated – fitting the overall theme. Together they will make a trustworthy and effective team.

Kamala delivered her speech with quiet confidence and clarity. She was articulate and poised. She spoke about her family and the work she did before moving to Washington, DC. She spoke about her work as vice president, her role in border security and foreign affairs, and recent events in Ukraine and the Middle East. She spoke about Israel's right to defend itself, as well as the devastation, pain, and suffering in Gaza. Her tone was tough and firm, her words carried weight.

The convention was filled with many who were already convinced – she had to develop a strategy to convince the undecided and win the swing states. As she herself said, she has been given “the chance to forge a new path forward, not as members of a party or faction, but as Americans.” She must convince all of America of her intentions, that she is the driving force of change and the best person to lead the most powerful nation in the world.

Kamala Harris is still inextricably linked to the current administration. Will she be able to distance herself from President Biden? She will face many uncomfortable questions and should have more than a superficial knowledge of important issues such as the economy, inflation, jobs, immigration, the environment, war and much more. To be credible, she must underline clear policies and plans.

The applause was deafening and the energy at the convention was infectious. There was joy and hope. There is an overwhelming outpouring of volunteers. The younger generation is enthusiastic. Even the Republicans are supporting her with their group “Republicans for Harris.” There is a debate to prepare for, interviews to give and vigorous campaigning.

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As an Indian mother and someone who values ​​democracy and freedom, I share Kamala's values ​​and have faith in her. However, I also believe that she needs more than our support – she needs to be prepared and move quickly enough to face the Republicans who have an experienced candidate and have had plenty of time to prepare. It's time to take action to enable and ensure her victory.

And it's time to stop tarnishing and distorting our Vice President's name. Some learn slowly, but if 3 1/2 years wasn't enough, I'll settle for President Harris – that sounds really good!

Padmavathi Balasubramanian, also known as Meera Balasubramanian, holds a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Delhi and a Masters in Business Administration from the Asian Institute of Management in Manila. She currently lives in Bethesda, Maryland.