In the streets of Washington, thousands of women gathered to support Kamala Harris one last time and her central theme, access to and the right to abortion.
“We’re not going back!”
On Saturday, thousands of women congregated in the streets of Washington, holding eloquent signs just three days before the American presidential election, to show their support for Kamala Harris against Donald Trump. “Voting prevents unwanted presidencies.” In the United States, the president is elected through an indirect universal suffrage system. This means that the president is chosen by electors, who are elected by American citizens. It is important for American citizens to vote in the electoral elections if they want a chance to see their favorite candidate advance to the presidency.
“We will not go back!” the crowd adopted one of Kamala Harris’s campaign slogans. Since the beginning of the presidential race, the Democratic candidate has made defending the right to abortion the central theme of her campaign. It is the recurring message from the women participating in this “Women’s March.”
Leah Brooker, 19, came all the way from North Carolina to support Kamala Harris: “Voting for the candidate who will support our rights as women is the most important thing for me.” North Carolina is indeed a key state. With her best friend, she holds a carefully crafted sign: “If guys will be guys, then women will be presidents.” For her first presidential election, the young woman is pleased to have been able to cast her vote for a woman.
“For my grandchildren”
In addition to the presidential election, referendums are being held in 10 states. The goal is to vote for or against the complete lifting of restrictions on abortion in the United States. In Nebraska, one proposal seeks to enshrine a new restriction in the state constitution, while another aims to extend the allowed time for an abortion.
On a stage set up at Freedom Plaza, speakers take turns urging voters to support the 60-year-old Democratic candidate. Marlene Wagner, 70, flew in from Nebraska to attend the event. In Nebraska, where she lives, the right to abortion is only available up to 12 weeks of pregnancy. The U.S. Supreme Court, reshaped by Donald Trump during his term, has rolled back federal protections for abortion rights. These decisions worry Marlene Wagner. She says she is present “for my grandchildren and my children because I am scared for their future.” For Marlene Wagner, the choice was clear.
But the gathering did not take place without incident. In Washington, some counter-protesters accused Kamala Harris of being a “baby killer.” They also sought to make their voices heard on Saturday, but they were overshadowed by women determined to cover their voices and signs.
“I hope all men will vote for Harris too”
Having attended the Women’s March in 2017 that followed Donald Trump’s inauguration, Marlene Wagner has not changed her stance. The author recalls that these restrictions have “already had repercussions because women have not been able to get the care they need.” This year, there were still “pussy hats,” the pink cat-eared hats referring to a crude expression from the former Republican president.
Abby Cohen, a 66-year-old American economist, was also present at Saturday’s gathering. She did not hesitate to accuse Donald Trump of being “very dangerous.” According to the economist, he “does not take women into consideration.” Near a Planned Parenthood booth, she reminded everyone of the weight women carry among American citizens: “We are 50% of the population.”
Three days before the presidential election, Abby Cohen shared her hopes for her country. She urged all electors to vote for the Democratic candidate: “I hope all women will vote for Harris. But I also hope all men will vote for Harris.” According to organizers, 15,000 people were present.