What Moms Are Telling Their Daughters About Kamala Harris’ Loss

The 2020 election brought a sense of hope and possibility, particularly for young girls watching Kamala Harris, the first woman and first person of color to be nominated for Vice President, make history. While that hope ultimately gave way to disappointment, the impact of Harris’ candidacy continues to resonate, especially for mothers raising daughters.

“It was a tough one for us to explain,” says Sarah, a mother of two young girls. “We were so excited about her candidacy, but losing was hard. We talked about how disappointed we were, but also how proud we were of Harris for running such a strong campaign.”

Many moms share Sarah’s sentiment, highlighting the importance of acknowledging the loss while celebrating Harris’ historic achievement. They’ve taken this opportunity to explain the complexities of politics, the importance of representation, and the continued fight for equality.

“This is a moment to teach our daughters about resilience,” says Maya, whose daughter is a pre-teen. “It’s about showing them that even when we don’t win, we can still learn, grow, and continue to fight for what we believe in.”

The impact goes beyond political lessons. Harris’ candidacy served as a powerful visual reminder for girls that they too can dream big and hold leadership positions. Even in defeat, her story inspires.

“My daughter keeps asking me, ‘Can I be president?'” shares Jessica, whose daughter is eight years old. “It’s moments like these that make me realize the power of seeing yourself represented. Harris’ run gave girls the chance to see themselves in a powerful role, and that’s a powerful message.”

While Harris’ loss may have been a disappointment, the conversations it sparked are invaluable. Moms across the nation are using this moment to empower their daughters, instilling in them a sense of hope, resilience, and the unwavering belief that they too can make history.