On January 20, 2021, history was made when Kamala Harris became Vice President of the United States of America. Harris is the first female Vice President and the highest-ranking female elected official since the signing of the US Constitution in 1787. Oddsmakers now see US Vice President as the favorite to win the next presidential election in 2024. Find out why the odds are in her favor.
Is Society Finally Ready for a Female President?
Hilary Clinton changed the course of political opportunities for women forever. When Senator of New York in 2008, Clinton became the first woman to be a presidential candidate in all national primaries and caucuses. And in 2016, she became the first female nominated for president by a mainstream party. Hilary Clinton lost the election, but she became the first woman to win the popular vote with 66 million votes to Donald Trump’s 63 million.
A poll conducted in 2020 found that 94% of black female voters voted for Clinton. These are encouraging signs for Kamala Harris. It seems that Clinton’s achievements have helped lay down the foundations for Harris to win the next presidential election.
Trump and the #MeToo Movement
Donald Trump’s attitude towards women has also had a profound influence on voters. His “Grab them by the pussy,” remarks divided opinions on whether he was fit to stand for high office. This was followed by allegations of assault by more than a dozen women, ranging from unwelcome advances to sexual harassment and assault. The former president has a history of controversial comments against female opponents. He often reduces them to sexual objects or someone unworthy of respect or attention. He said of Kamala Harris: “Nobody likes her. She could never be the first woman president. She could never be. That would be an insult to our country.”
If Trump runs again for president, the US Vice President could use his checkered past against him to win votes. Current US President Joe Biden chose Harris as his running mate to counter Trump’s misogynistic views, appease the #MeToo movement, and reassure non-white America that they have not been forgotten. The Democratic Party hopes that Kamala Harris would be able to get these voters on board once again if she runs for office.
Harris’ Background
For many, the current Vice President symbolizes the American dream. She was raised and inspired by parents who were originally from Jamaica and India. They were activists who attended civil rights demonstrations which instilled Kamala Harris with a strong sense of justice.
Harris pursued a career in law and was elected District Attorney of San Francisco. While in the role, she gained national recognition for her progressive drug offenders program, which let first-time drug offenders, including drug dealers, to study for a high school diploma and a job instead of serving prison time.
In 2010 she was elected California’s Attorney General and established a Bureau of Children’s Justice and a program of reforms to make the criminal justice system more transparent and accountable. She won billion-dollar settlements for exploited homeowners and students. She also and fought for the Affordable Care Act, environmental law, and marriage equality. In 2017, Kamala Harris became a US Senator and a member of numerous committees.
Throughout her tenure, Harris used her powers to defend the rights of immigrants and refugees, keep America safe from foreign threats, safeguard the election process, preserve black education, and provide support to low-income communities. This solid political record is why many see her as an excellent candidate to become the next US President.
The Voters
In the 2020 election, there were 239,247,182 eligible voters, 68% White, 12% Black, 11% Hispanic, Racial Minorities 5%, Asian American 3%, Native American 1%. Turnout was the highest of the century at 159,690,457 (68%). All sectors surpassed voter numbers, but the statistics show many stayed away: 70.9% of white Americans voted and 58.4% of non-white voters casted a ballot. Many registered non-voters either felt disconnected from the mainstream or had no connection to the candidates or the campaigns.
Non-white and female voter turnout is crucial for a Democratic Party election victory, especially in swing states such as Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Florida. For this reason, the Vice President’s multiple identities and competencies are great assets to gain votes from women and minorities.
In the past, the odds have always been stacked against having a female President, but after 234 years it’s getting closer to becoming a reality that sportsbook bettors should consider.
Philip Carlson is a gambling industry analyst based in NYC. He covers political global political betting markets and sports-betting for Vegas-odds.com
