Sheri Berenbaum

State College

In the mid-1980s, I made a bet with a friend — Who would be President first: A woman (his pick) or a Black man (mine)? I won a lovely dinner — and eight years of Obama’s outstanding leadership.

In 2016, we bet again — “Definitely a woman this time,” he said. I supported Clinton and worked hard to elect her, but saw the misogyny plaguing our country, and reluctantly bet against him. Another lovely dinner — and years of Trump-inflicted chaos, reactionary policy, and a Supreme Court dedicated to crushing civil rights and Constitutional principles.

This time, my money’s firmly on Kamala Harris. I’m confident she will win.

Harris has broad government experience: as California Attorney General, U.S. Senator and Vice President.

Harris champions our country’s democratic ideals — freedom and dignity for all, economic security (not just for wealthy Americans), access to quality health care (including reproductive care), affordable public education, global security and partnership with other democracies around the world. Above all, she acts in the best interests of Americans.

In stark contrast, Harris’s opponent is a man who cares only about himself. He schemed to overturn legitimate election results and betrayed his oath of office. He proudly denies women bodily autonomy, promises tax cuts to wealthy Americans and an end to education and health care funding, threatens democracy here and abroad and espouses white Christian nationalism. Most terrifying, he threatens violence if he loses again.

2024 isn’t about electing the first woman; it’s about electing the only person qualified to be President.