Dr. Suresh U. Kumar
The US Presidential election on Nov 5th 2024, gives voters an opportunity to have a voice in
their future. Americans are choosing between two vastly different visions for our country’s
future. Fortunately, over the last 8 years, Americans had the opportunity to see for themselves
what both the candidates stands for. Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz
stands for a forward-looking vision that call, New Way Forward—which is grounded in
compassion, opportunity, and economic empowerment for working families. On the other side
stands former President Donald Trump and Senator J.D. Vance, representing a self-centered
view of America that is based the politics of grievances, contempt for the rule of law, economic
entitlement, and restricting opportunities to the privileged few. Yet, shockingly, the news outlets
tell us polls are deadlocked. I refuse to believe this is the case. Let me tell you why.
The American Dream: Kamala’s Story of Compassion and Resilience
For Kamala Harris, this election is not just about policy differences; it’s personal. As the
daughter of Indian and Jamaican immigrants, she brings a deep understanding of resilience,
hard work, and the value of opportunity that has shaped her entire life. Her immigrant roots and
personal experiences have given her a perspective few can match and a commitment to
building what she calls an ‘Opportunity Economy’ where everyone has a fair shot at getting
ahead.
Kamala Harris’s path to leadership is built on a foundation of family, service, and sacrifice.
Harris watched her mother, Shyamala, a scientist from India, navigate a system that was often
not welcoming. Shyamala’s determination to support her family while pursuing her career as a
medical researcher and taking part in the American Civil Rights movement inspired Harris's
lifelong commitment to justice, compassion, and hard work. From her father, an immigrant from
Jamaica, Harris learned the values of education, integrity, and perseverance.
Growing up, Kamala held odd jobs to help support herself through college, experiences that
gave her firsthand knowledge of the challenges working families face. She’s no stranger to the
sacrifices required to build a life and care for loved ones. She stood by her mother’s side
through illness, managing the demands of family and career. Today, as a wife, mother,
stepmother, and Vice President Kamala’s roles and responsibilities have strengthened her
compassion for others and her understanding of the importance of family stability and
opportunity for all.
Strengthening Small Businesses and Expanding Economic Opportunity
Harris’s Opportunity Economy plan centers on helping small businesses flourish and ensuring
middle-class families can thrive. Her agenda reflects her own family’s story of hard work and
ambition. By expanding the startup expense deduction from $5,000 to $50,000, Harris is making
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it possible for countless entrepreneurs to take the first steps toward business ownership without
being hindered by overwhelming expenses. Her plan to cut red tape and streamline tax filing will
help small business owners focus more on growth and less on bureaucratic hurdles.
Recognizing the struggles that established small businesses face, she also proposes low- and
no-interest loans to support business expansion and foster innovation. Her administration would
offer venture capital and innovation hubs to encourage new ideas and entrepreneurship in
communities that have been historically overlooked. By setting a goal of 25 million new business
applications in her first term, Harris has a concrete plan to revitalize the economy and build
pathways to prosperity in every corner of America.
A Fairer Tax System and Support for the Middle Class
As Vice President, Harris has worked tirelessly to bring down costs for everyday Americans.
She understands that families—particularly those with backgrounds like her own—need relief to
build stability and wealth. Her Opportunity Economy plan includes significant tax cuts for over
100 million Americans, a move designed to relieve financial pressures and expand the middle
class. Her proposal to tax the wealthiest individuals and corporations fairly ensures that those
who have benefitted the most from America’s economy contribute their fair share, balancing the
scales to benefit everyone. Moreover, Harris’s plan to raise capital gains taxes to 28% for the
wealthiest Americans prioritizes sustainable growth and fairer wealth distribution, aligning with
her belief that a strong economy is one that lifts everyone—not just a select few at the top.
Affordable Housing, Groceries, and Healthcare for All
Growing up in a household where sacrifices were often made to make ends meet, Harris is
acutely aware of the high costs that can weigh families down. She has pledged to tackle
corporate price gouging, which will lower costs on essentials like groceries and medicine. With
Harris’s leadership, the days of runaway prices for basic needs would be curbed, protecting the
purchasing power of middle-class families. Harris’s affordable housing plan, adding three million
new rental and affordable homes through a targeted builder tax credit, is another crucial step
toward a fairer economy. She recognizes the importance of housing stability for building wealth
and securing family futures, which is why her plan includes $25,000 in down payment
assistance for first-time homebuyers. Harris’s vision for housing makes the American Dream
accessible to millions, allowing more people to experience the security and pride of
homeownership.
Preserving Rights, Uniting the Nation
Economic opportunity and personal freedoms are inseparable. Harris has always been clear
that defending Americans’ rights is paramount to her leadership. As a district attorney and
attorney general, she fought relentlessly for the rights of women, children, and the vulnerable.
Her work in the Senate and as Vice President expanded these efforts, as she championed
reproductive freedoms, advocated for affordable healthcare, and engaged in diplomatic efforts
to advance U.S. interests.
In contrast, Donald Trump’s Project 2025 represents a retreat into policies that harm working
families and compromise democracy. Trump’s plan includes sweeping tarrifs—a policy that
would take $4,000 out of American families’ pockets each year. His cuts to essential federal
programs like Social Security and Medicare would endanger the very institutions that safeguard
financial stability for millions of retirees and disabled Americans.
A Legacy of Compassionate Leadership and Family Values
Kamala Harris’s story is more than one of professional accomplishments. It’s a testament to the
values of service, sacrifice, and compassion. Her life as a daughter who cared for her sick
mother, a stepmother who embraced her role in a blended family, and a wife who values
partnership has shaped her understanding of what families need to thrive. Her personal story is
one of bridging cultures, overcoming challenges, and working tirelessly to give back to the
country that gave her family a chance. In the Senate and as Vice President, Harris has fought to
expand access to healthcare, ensure reproductive freedoms, and champion social justice. She
envisions an America that supports families and uplifts communities, where people can pursue
their dreams without fear of losing their basic freedoms or facing economic ruin.
The Closing Argument: Character Still Matters
I have made a case for Kamala Harris largely from an economic policy angle. But elections are
more than a choice between policies—they reflect the core values we hold dear as citizens of
this great nation. Elections are about the character and integrity of those who lead us. Vice
President Kamala Harris has dedicated her life to fighting for everyday Americans, “The
People,” as she often says, consistently standing up for women, working families, and the
middle class. Kamala Harris has lived the values of resilience, compassion, and service, and
she leads with a deep commitment to the American people. Her life is a testament to her
integrity, as she’s spent decades fighting for justice, advocating for the vulnerable, and working
tirelessly to create opportunities for others. America needs a leader who values our immigrant
roots, understands the struggles and aspirations of everyday families, someone who sees
beyond numbers to the people they represent.
The New Way Forward promised by Kamala Harris shows us a better tomorrow rooted in
compassion, fairness, and opportunity for all. In a time when we need unity, strength, and
character more than ever, she is the leader we can trust to protect our freedoms, restore the
American Dream, and reach across the aisle to unite our nation. She has a proven track record
of standing with our allies and standing up to dictators. I believe that next Tuesday, Americans
will turn out in record numbers to vote for we know is true, that Kamala Harris represents the
New Way Forward for Americans, and perhaps for the rest of the world.
Note: Suresh U. Kumar is an author, professor, entrepreneur, and co-founder of India
Americans for Harris. He also serves as co-chair of the Harris-Walz Small Business Council.
