When Hillary Clinton ran for president in 2016, her historic potential as the first woman president was a major talking point. Fast forward to 2024, Kamala Harris, the first Black and South Asian American woman to become vice president, is now running for the top job, but the conversation has shifted. Harris is downplaying her historic candidacy, emphasizing her qualifications instead. This change reflects a less dramatic approach to identity politics and the evolving culture in American politics. Harris seems keen on appealing to policy-focused voters rather than drawing attention to her gender or race. The campaign's strategy indicates a move away from divisive identity politics, aiming to unite potential voters under a common set of ideals. While the historical significance of another woman running for president is undeniable, the approach has markedly shifted. The focus is now on her qualifications and policy proposals, rather than her gender and racial identity.
