A Proud Independent’s Reflection on the #DNC ????

For the record, this is not a post solely about Democrats but instead one centered around history in the making and my reflection from the week. I remember in 2016 when Hillary Clinton was running for office, what an unbelievable concept it was for Americans at the time. A woman as President—something I never thought only a man could do—but for many, the idea of our almost 250-year-old country having its first woman President baffled their minds. So much so, that my diplomatic and reflection-oriented mind began to wonder if I was on the wrong side of history. Yet, after many conversations, the realization of a failed administration, maturing, and relearning to trust women the way I had always been taught to, today I stand resolute in my decision to support Vice President Kamala Harris.

Back then, I stood with Hillary because of a party, but today, I stand with Kamala because of belief. Belief that she is truly the best hope and vision we have for America—a place I call home and a place I love dearly. This week taught me that it’s not so much about who exactly the President is, but instead, the community that stands behind them. During this unique opportunity over the past four days to spend some personal time with that community, I have never felt more at home.

Before you start saying, "Of course, you’d feel at home in an echo chamber or among like-minded people," let me clarify. For anyone who truly knows me or has ever had a conversation about policy with me, you know that I take pride in being what I call a “Strong Moderate.” Starting as a Republican in my younger years and transitioning into an Independent as I grew older, I’ve never actually identified as a Democrat. In some ways, this was because I was a bit too conservative-minded for the party’s taste, and in other ways, possibly because I couldn’t fully let go of my old ways.

However, what I learned this week is that even though I still identify as an Independent, since gaining the right to vote, I have never been so proud to support one of the two-party candidates. I am proud because, during this week, it wasn’t just Democrats that we heard from. It was the Independents, whom I more closely aligned with, and even more surprisingly, the Republicans who had never seen themselves attending a DNC. Despite their differing beliefs, the amount of acceptance and love they were shown told me they, too, felt as if they belonged.

I share all of this to say that in the past, I’ve never really shared how I planned to vote, but instead promoted the act of voting itself. However, after this phenomenal week and the energy I felt as we cheered on speaker after speaker, my decision is resolute. I’m voting for Kamala Harris—not because she’s a Democrat, but because I believe she’s the best candidate to represent us all.

This convention was about love, diversity, hope, and most importantly, community. Community isn’t just about the things I subscribe to or believe in, but also about celebrating our differences and leaving space for others with whom I don’t necessarily agree to thrive as well.

With that said, I’m not going to tell you how you should vote. Instead, I challenge you to, before you cast your ballot, think about all those you love, all those you hate, the future you truly want to see for humanity, and all the possibilities that I haven’t named here.

Once you’ve done this, there’s nothing else anyone should have to say. When you truly look this deep and pour honest intentionality into your decision, no matter how much pressure you get, your vote won’t sway. So vote for the community you believe in, and vote for what you hold true. But remember, when you cast your vote, it has the power to change the lives of millions in this country—not just your own.