[OPINION] Kamala or Trump: Are women ready to make history?

*Abdülhamit Bilici, Washington D.C.

In one of the most critical elections in US history—closely followed globally from Ukraine to China, Iran to Russia, as well as Palestine—the outcome of the US presidential race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump won’t be determined by the overall national vote. Instead, it will be decided by seven “swing” states. Here are some of the prominent issues and concerns.

Abortion factor

Although Republican candidate Trump has an edge on issues like the economy and immigration, women are leaning more toward Democratic candidate Kamala Harris since the Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling overturning abortion rights. Women’s votes, which saved the Democratic Party in the last midterm election, will also play a crucial role for Harris, who could make history by becoming the first female US president.

Democracy on the ballot

Alongside women’s rights, the future of democracy in the US is also a central theme in the election. There are deep concerns about Trump’s refusal to accept the 2020 election results, his role in the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack, the infamous Project 2025, his hostile stance toward the media and his promises to retaliate against opponents if he wins.

So much so that the editorial board of The New York Times publicly urged, “Now is the time to vote!” and explained in 110 words why Trump is a threat to democracy:

Due to the unique and somewhat outdated electoral system, the 47th president will be determined by a small number of voters in seven swing states, though 160 million registered voters are expected to participate. Of these, 77 million have already cast their votes through early and mail-in voting.

Despite being the first president to have been impeached twice and convicted in multiple jury trials, Trump’s ability to run as the Republican candidate—and his competitive performance first against President Joe Biden and now against Harris—presents a bizarre and fascinating scenario that warrants careful reflection on US politics, society and democracy.

The fact that Trump, despite the disapproval of many of his former team members—such as his vice president Pence, defense secretaries Mattis and Esper, White House chief of staff General Kelly and national security advisors Bolton and McMaster—is polling neck and neck with Harris in a recent survey is quite remarkable.

Today is decision day. Will the American people close the chapter on the Trump era by electing the first female president, or will they pave the way to “Make America Great Again 2.0”?

*Abdülhamit Bilici is the former editor-in-chief of the highest-selling daily in Turkey, the now-closed Zaman daily. He currently lives in exile in the United States.