I’ll say it straight: I’m backing Kamala Harris for President of the United States. Yes, you read that right.
While the current political circus across the pond often feels like a far-off Netflix drama that’s both compelling and maddening, there’s something about Harris that makes you stop scrolling, sit up, and think, “Hang on, she could actually pull this off.”
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. This is more than just a cheerleading piece; it’s a dive into why, despite all the noise and fury, Harris represents a future that’s sorely needed.
First, let’s address the elephant in the room: the woman is an underdog. Despite serving as Vice President, Kamala Harris hasn’t exactly had the smoothest of rides. She’s been criticised, sidelined, and at times, frankly, underestimated. The US political stage is no easy arena, and for every triumph she’s had, there have been missteps that her detractors have seized upon with gleeful abandon. But if you’re sitting there with your cup of tea thinking this is a bad thing, then you’re missing the point entirely. Because Harris’s story isn’t about perfection; it’s about perseverance. And if there’s one quality a leader needs in this tumultuous world, it’s a willingness to keep going when the odds are stacked against you.
Kamala Harris has the kind of grit that you simply can’t fake. Raised by immigrant parents in a world that didn’t exactly roll out the red carpet, she’s fought her way up from the courtroom to the Senate, and now, the White House. And let’s be honest—there’s something refreshing about a politician who knows how to throw a punch and take one too. Harris’s background as a prosecutor gives her an edge. She’s not afraid of a debate, she’s not afraid of confrontation, and she’s certainly not afraid to make the tough decisions.
Now, some will argue that she’s too tough, too direct, or perhaps too ambitious—a classic trope used to undermine women in power. But frankly, the world is a mess right now. Climate change is wreaking havoc, inequality is skyrocketing, and democracy itself feels like it’s teetering on the brink. Do we really want a President who’s going to sit on the fence and hum and haw their way through four years? Harris, by contrast, has a sense of urgency that aligns with the times. Her policies may not be to everyone’s taste, but at least she’s got some. From criminal justice reform to climate action, she’s consistently pushed for change in a way that suggests she’s not just playing at politics—she genuinely cares.
And then there’s her stance on global leadership, which, let’s face it, has been sorely lacking in recent years. America, once the self-appointed leader of the free world, has been floundering, retreating into itself in a way that has left the rest of us staring at the wreckage. Harris, however, represents a return to diplomacy, a return to sensible conversations, and a return to partnerships that are about more than just tweeting and chest-thumping. She’s been unafraid to call out Russia’s antics, China’s human rights abuses, and the global imbalance that’s seen the rich nations prosper at the expense of everyone else. In short, she brings a level of gravitas that’s sorely needed.
But beyond the politics, there’s something deeper that makes me root for Harris: her humanity. She’s not the type to hide behind clichés and platitudes. Whether she’s comforting a grieving family or speaking candidly about her own experiences, there’s a rawness that makes her stand out. It’s not about perfection; it’s about connection. And in a world where politicians often feel more like avatars than actual people, Harris’s ability to relate to everyday struggles is worth its weight in gold.
Some will say I’m dreaming, that Harris’s chances are slim, and that America’s not ready. And perhaps they’re right. Perhaps the US isn’t quite there yet. But here’s the thing: backing Kamala Harris isn’t about playing it safe. It’s about believing that a different kind of politics is possible—a politics that isn’t afraid to get its hands dirty, to admit mistakes, and to fight for something better.
Harris embodies the resilience, intelligence, and compassion that we desperately need in a leader. She’s the kind of figure who, for all her flaws, genuinely seems to care about the future in a way that feels both authentic and inspiring. So, while others might be content with more of the same, I’m putting my chips on Harris. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned from watching her journey, it’s that she’s not just in this to win; she’s in this to change the game entirely. And frankly, that’s the kind of boldness we could all use right now.
Richard Alvin
Richard Alvin is a serial entrepreneur, a former advisor to the UK Government about small business and an Honorary Teaching Fellow on Business at Lancaster University.
A winner of the London Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the year and Freeman of the City of London for his services to business and charity. Richard is also Group MD of Capital Business Media and SME business research company Trends Research, regarded as one of the UK’s leading experts in the SME sector and an active angel investor and advisor to new start companies.
Richard is also the host of Save Our Business the U.S. based business advice television show.
