I’m With H.E.R.

By Jacob Cuthbert III, 11th Episcopal District

Here we are on the eve of what has been deemed the most consequential election of our lifetime. We are being asked to make a choice between a candidate who stands firmly on the platforms of lies, hate, vengeance, darkness, and intolerance and a candidate who represents the hope we seek and need for a better tomorrow. I remember back in 2016 when I was a mere 5th grader, and the contest was between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. I tried to stay up for the election results but fell asleep. The next morning, my mother broke the news to me that Donald Trump had been declared the victor in the presidential contest. I can still recall the fear I felt inside as I cried my eyes out and looked at my mother and asked, “…what’s going to happen to us. Donald Trump does not like people like us … black people…” I told my mother that if I were old enough to vote, the election results could have been different. My mother tried to reason with me but there was no consoling me. I stayed home from school and she from work and we both spent the day in bed eating ice cream and watching television.

Fast forward eight years later. I am a college freshman, a first-time voter, and I’M WITH H.E.R.! I am with H.E.R. because she’s offering HOPE. America is a great nation but has been corrupted by those who seek to divide us by appealing to our worst instincts. She promises to be a president for ALL Americans – those who will vote for her and those who will not. She promises to listen to our “kitchen table” issue (i.e. inflation, healthcare, wages, education) and invite all voices, concurring and dissenting, to the table of collaboration and collegiality. She promises that if we work together with a spirit of optimism, we can begin the long journey to return to democracy’s highest ideal – FREEDOM – in all its manifestations.

I’m with H.E.R. because she brings an ENERGY that speaks to the deepest parts of me. It’s ELECTRIC! It has me excited about the future. The oppressive mixture of Trumpism and the pandemic had left me in a state of despair. I was not feeling optimistic about the future. The world had become so hateful and harsh, and I wanted nothing to do with it. But then she came along and infused such cosmic energy in the world that it broke the spell of utter despair. She reminded us of what it looks like to fight for our country and our way of life. I see H.E.R. fighting for my future wife and all women to have the right to control their own bodies. I see H.E.R. fighting for fair wages, access to healthcare, and equal treatment under the law. I see H.E.R. fighting for the future of our beloved America. She inspires me to dream with ambition.

And I’m with H.E.R. because she’s restoring RESPECTABILITY to our political discourse and the way we see and speak about each other. She connects with me on a very human level. She’s an only child who was raised by a single mother who devoted all her efforts and resources to raising her and providing for her needs. H.E.R. story is also my story. She grew up in church and understands the power of prayer and praise and what it means to be covered by a village. H.E.R. story is my story. She was brought up to have a serious work ethic and to have manners and respect for God, all people, and the law. H.E.R. story is my story. She sees me. She’s a woman of great intelligence and respectability. She’s sophisticated, compassionate and caring, and she rocks those pant suits. She reminds me of my mom.

I was filled with excitement when my absentee ballot arrived in the mail on my college campus. I first thanked God for that I have the freedom to vote, and then I completed my ballot and voted for H.E.R. – Vice Present Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz. I’m with H.E.R.! Who’s with me? I’m Eagle Scout Jacob Cuthbert III and I approve this message.