The 2024 Presidential election presents a pivotal moment for Colorado progressive voters. As we consider the future of our nation, it’s crucial to make informed decisions that align with progressive values. This Colorado Progressive Voter Guide focuses on why Vice President Kamala Harris stands out as the clear choice for President in 2024.
Kamala Harris embodies the progressive leadership needed to address the challenges facing America. Her career is marked by a commitment to justice, equality, and progress for all. Born to immigrant parents and raised in Oakland, California, Harris’s background informs her deep understanding of the diverse experiences within our nation. She attended Howard University, a historically Black university, and earned her law degree from the University of California, San Francisco.
Her career began in public service, starting as Deputy District Attorney in Alameda County. Harris then served as the District Attorney of San Francisco, where she implemented innovative programs to reduce crime and address its root causes. Moving on to become California’s Attorney General, she continued her work on criminal justice reform and protecting vulnerable communities. In 2016, Colorado voters and the nation witnessed her election to the U.S. Senate, where she quickly became a leading voice for progressive causes. Her selection as Vice President by Joe Biden in 2020 further solidified her position as a national leader.
In the Senate and as Vice President, Harris has been a staunch advocate for progressive policies. She played a critical role in defending the Affordable Care Act, ensuring millions of Americans maintain access to healthcare. She has championed immigration reform and worked to address systemic issues within the criminal justice system. Notably, as Vice President, she cast record-breaking tie-breaking votes to pass crucial legislation, demonstrating her effectiveness in a closely divided government. A key promise from Vice President Harris is her commitment to codifying abortion rights into law, restoring the protections lost with the overturning of Roe v. Wade. This is a vital issue for progressive voters in Colorado and across the country.
Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota, Harris’s running mate, further strengthens the progressive ticket. His background as a teacher and military veteran informs his pragmatic and effective approach to governance. As Governor, Walz has enacted progressive policies in Minnesota, including free school meals, abortion rights protections, and universal background checks for gun purchases. His presence on the ticket reinforces the commitment to progressive values that the Harris campaign represents.
The alternative in this election is stark. Former President Donald Trump, deemed ineligible for the Colorado ballot by the Colorado Supreme Court due to his involvement in insurrection (a ruling later overturned on procedural grounds by the US Supreme Court), represents a clear departure from progressive values. His administration appointed three conservative justices to the Supreme Court, leading to the reversal of Roe v. Wade and threatening other fundamental rights. His tax cuts disproportionately benefited the wealthy, and his presidency was marked by divisive rhetoric and actions, culminating in the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol.
For Colorado progressive voters, the choice in 2024 is clear. Kamala Harris and Tim Walz offer a vision of progress, inclusion, and responsible governance. This Colorado progressive voter guide asserts that voting for Harris is a vote to protect our democracy, advance progressive values, and build a better future for all Americans. The 2024 election is not just an election; it’s a choice about the direction of our country, and Kamala Harris is the progressive leader we need.
