In light of the upcoming elections, a Penn student explains why he’s chosen to vote blue this cycle.
Photo Credit: Reagan Reese
By Michael Palacios
Editor’s Note: The Pennsylvania Post is an independent publication and does not endorse any candidates. For more details on the candidates and the upcoming presidential election, please consult your state’s official voting information website or visit Penn Leads the Vote.
In a time marked by economic uncertainty, threats to fundamental rights, growing polarization, a pressing need for international solidarity, and the critical task of defending democracy, Kamala Harris stands out as the decisive, unifying leader our nation urgently needs.
As an independent voter, when deciding who I will select on my ballot this election, I reflected on what true leadership should mean: a president who listens to the people, bridges divides, and places the interests of all Americans above any personal or partisan agenda. America requires a president who is committed to uniting us across lines of race, religion, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation—a leader who sees strength in our diversity and values every voice.
Economy
Kamala Harris will be that president. She will work relentlessly to strengthen our economy, rebuild and reinforce our global alliances, confront the climate crisis impacting millions, defend women’s rights, and stand as a guardian of our democratic institutions. She embodies the leadership we need to guide us through these challenges and build a future grounded in unity, justice, and shared prosperity.
Kamala Harris’s economic platform will work towards supporting the middle class of the United States. During her campaign, she has pledged to expand the child tax credit to $6,000, a $25,000 proposed down payment assistance to first-time home buyers, and an income limit of $400,000 which no family will see a tax increase. The first two proposals would provide middle-class families with significant financial relief, supporting both everyday costs and long-term investments like homeownership. They also ensure that middle-income households retain more of their earnings, fostering financial stability and economic mobility.
The issue of inflation has impacted all Americans, but progress is to be made in a Harris-Walz administration. Inflation will continue to decrease under a Harris presidency due to a federal ban on price gouging—which would limit how corporations have increased their revenues. There is a risk that inflation may rise under Trump, largely due to his stance on free trade and tariffs. Tariffs raise the cost of imported goods, leading to higher prices for consumers and businesses dependent on these imports. This can drive inflation as companies pass on increased costs to consumers while reducing domestic competition. Kamala Harris’s economic platform, focused on supporting working families and reducing inflationary pressures, will foster a more resilient, equitable economy by prioritizing middle-class relief, fair trade practices, and responsible corporate accountability.
Reproductive Rights
Vice President Kamala Harris has also been a vocal advocate for reproductive rights, emphasizing the urgent need to codify these rights into federal law to protect them from future reversals. This commitment underscores the vital importance of preserving bodily autonomy as a cornerstone of personal freedom and gender equality. The conversation surrounding reproductive rights is more than a legal issue; it’s a defining aspect of human dignity, and I am a firm believer that we must continue to advocate for protections that ensure women retain the right to make choices about their own bodies.
When Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022, the impact on women across the country was seismic. The fact that women lost a fundamental right they once held—particularly through a government decision restricting personal health choices—was deeply unsettling to me. This decision stripped millions of agency over their own bodies and set a troubling precedent for individual rights and bodily autonomy. Women in states with restrictive policies who were forced to travel across state lines for essential healthcare illustrate the severe consequences of having their choices restricted. These setbacks have only strengthened my resolve to support leaders like Vice President Harris, who is committed to restoring and safeguarding reproductive rights for all.
Gun Control
Just as I feel strongly about protecting reproductive rights, I am equally passionate about addressing gun violence—another critical issue where Vice President Harris has shown unwavering commitment. For far too long, America has grappled with the devastating consequences of gun violence and mass shootings. This tragic reality should never be normalized, nor should we accept the loosening of laws that make it easier for anyone to carry a firearm. This issue hit home: a friend of mine is a survivor of a mass shooting and has since dedicated himself to advocating for gun control laws. Together, we have shared the belief that meaningful gun regulation is essential. His firsthand trauma and my own experience of attending school and hearing stories time and time again of mass shootings have strengthened our belief that no one should fear for their life in spaces meant to be safe.
As president, Kamala Harris will take decisive action to combat gun violence and restore safety in our communities. Her commitment includes banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines that turn ordinary spaces into battlegrounds. She will enforce universal background checks to prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands, and support red flag laws that keep guns away from individuals posing a danger to themselves or others.
As vice president, she oversees the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention which was established to coordinate efforts across government agencies to address and reduce gun violence. The approach not only included policy development, but also community support, and prevention strategies. This isn’t about infringing on rights—it’s about preserving lives and protecting the freedoms of every American to live, learn, and work without the shadow of gun violence.
Foreign Policy
Moreover, this election goes beyond addressing domestic issues; it is about reaffirming the United States’ role on the global stage, where our leadership on climate initiatives and international security are critical to safeguarding our future. The stakes demand a President with a foreign policy that strengthens both our nation and our alliances, securing stability in an increasingly turbulent world. We cannot risk a presidency that threatens our commitment to NATO or suggests passivity in the face of aggression, like encouraging Russia to “do whatever the hell they want” in Ukraine. Such actions would not only undermine our standing but would embolden hostile powers, placing both our allies and our security at greater risk.
The NATO alliance remains the most formidable military coalition in history, a beacon of collective defense that deters threats and reassures our allies. Kamala Harris’s commitment to NATO shows the world that the United States is prepared to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with its partners. It signals that we are not just a participant but a reliable leader in deterring aggression and upholding international peace. This election, we have the opportunity to choose a President who will bolster our alliances, champion climate security, and project unwavering strength—ensuring that America’s role in the world remains one of principled leadership and enduring security
Climate Change
Climate change is an issue that has affected our nation and the rest of the world. Over the last few years, we have seen that natural disasters continue to affect the United States and other parts of the world due to climate change. My home state of Florida has been affected by continuously stronger hurricanes like Milton and Helene each year because of climate change. We need to trust the science and the experts that the world is getting warmer and that climate change is real. We need to elect leaders like Kamala Harris who are committed to taking decisive action on climate issues, rather than choosing leaders who deny the very existence of climate change.
As a nation, it is our priority to address the effects of climate change and support a presidential candidate who will address these issues. Kamala Harris is this candidate. She has said the United States must take action to fight climate change in the face of increasing drought, floods, hurricanes, wildfires, and sea level rise. Her actions match her words; her tie-breaking vote in favor of the Inflation Reduction Act has been one of the Biden administration’s greatest successes in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. I support a leader like Kamala Harris, who prioritizes decisive action on climate change and is committed to a sustainable future that addresses the urgent challenges facing our planet and protects generations to come.
Democracy
Ultimately, preserving our democracy is my highest priority in this election. Last fall, I had the privilege of walking into our nation’s Capitol, through the iconic rotunda and down to the Senate floor, where I met with the staff of a senator. The memory of the January 6th insurrection—a stark attempt to overturn the results of a free and fair election—was still fresh in our minds. It was a sobering reminder of how fragile our democratic institutions can be and of the responsibility we all share to protect them.
This election presents a critical opportunity for Americans to reaffirm that true patriotism is rooted in faith in our electoral process and democratic principles. Leadership and character are paramount. Kamala Harris embodies the character, integrity, and dedication needed in this moment. Her commitment to upholding democracy—rooted in her years as a public servant, prosecutor, and now vice president—resonates deeply with me. Her leadership represents a path forward, away from politics that pits Republicans against Democrats and toward one that prioritizes solving the challenges we all face as Americans. It’s time to choose leaders who are driven by principle rather than power, leaders who will fortify our democracy for future generations.
Closing Thoughts
To the readers of this piece, I want you to think about the role of the presidency and public service. A modern American president, like Kamala Harris, will embody the principle that there is no “enemy within,” as she advocates for unity by dismantling racial, partisan, and religious divisions that threaten our nation’s integrity and progress.
Kamala Harris embodies the character, integrity, and dedication needed in this moment. Her commitment to upholding democracy—rooted in her years as a public servant, prosecutor, and now vice president—is what the American people need.
Harris’s leadership represents a path forward, away from politics that pits Republicans against Democrats and toward one that prioritizes solving the challenges we all face as Americans. It’s time to choose leaders who are driven by principle rather than power, leaders who will fortify our democracy for future generations. So, when you cast your vote, remember: it’s more than a ballot—it’s a vote for unity, progress, and the principles that hold our nation together. Kamala Harris represents not just a candidate but a commitment to a future where every American is heard, valued, and empowered. This election isn’t just about the next four years; it’s about who we are and who we aspire to be. Let’s choose a leader who will unite us, heal us, and fight for a democracy that serves all.
Michael Palacios is a senior in the College studying Political Science from Orlando, FL. Michael is a guest writer for The Pennsylvania Post. His email is palam@sas.upenn.edu.
