Asian-Americans see Kamala Harris’ nomination as their time to shine
- ‘Having one of our own in the White House would mean the world,’ says New York State Senator John Liu. ‘It’s a dream come true for so many people, myself included’
As the Democratic Party unites behind US Vice-President Kamala Harris, the nation’s first Asian-American and African-American woman to be nominated for president by a major political party, many Asian-Americans say they feel increasingly emboldened and optimistic that their voices will be heard.
Democrats in general have been energised since US President Joe Biden, 81, stepped aside a month ago following a disastrous debate performance against the Republican candidate, former president Donald Trump.
Biden’s endorsement of Harris, 59, sparked memes on social media platforms and record fundraising for her.
Among the Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in particular, it is more pronounced and personal as they see someone who understands them breaking through the “bamboo ceiling”.
“The excitement is unparalleled,” said New York State Senator John Liu, a Democratic National Convention delegate, speaking by telephone just off the floor in Chicago. “Asian-Americans still feel invisible all too often.
“But having one of our own in the White House [would] mean the world. It’s a dream come true for so many people, myself included.”
