Historical Relevance Over Identity Politics

In the political landscape of 2019 and 2020, women candidates running for president did not prioritize their gender identity as a central element of their campaigns, likely influenced by the outcomes of the 2016 election. Instead, they focused on policy and actionable strategies, with last-minute references to their potential to make history only surfacing when under pressure. Kamala Harris initially avoided emphasizing her gender and racial identity until the urgency of the campaign increased, demonstrating a strategic shift amid rising competition. Conversely, her opponent, Donald Trump, effectively utilized racial and gender dynamics to target her during the campaign, highlighting the contrasting approaches of candidates regarding identity politics versus substantive policy discussions.