It’s just so exhausting. As Americans, we deserve better

Former President Trump used the same tired racial tropes when he met with journalists from the National Association of Black Journalists at their Chicago convention yesterday. Namely, he falsely contended that Vice President Harris was changing and/or using her racial identity for political gain. Insinuating that she only rose in politics because she is Black and South Asian. Simply untrue and insulting.

I wonder how qualified a person of color must be to run for President. She was the San Francisco District Attorney, the Attorney General for California, a U.S. Senator, and Vice President. It's a familiar feeling as a person of color. The feeling of sheer exasperation at being viewed as less than and not qualified, in sum not being given a fair chance. This experience is familiar for many. And when Trump mentioned “Black jobs” and that immigrants were taking them, that also is a familiar blatant attempt at divineness. Again, fundamentally untrue and disrespectful.

But the bigger failure is that Trump had an opportunity to listen and learn about what the Black community wants and needs. It could have been a chance for him to authentically connect with this influential voting block. He could have taken the stage to address criticisms and lay out his socio-economic vision for the Black community and other communities of color. FOX News journalist Harris Faulkner gave him that platform asking, “What is your plan?” But he struggled to outline specific policies, ideas, and accomplishments related to communities of color. And this is the missing piece from yesterday. He failed to provide a compelling vision for our country that lifts all communities up.

We have 96 days until election day. I hope Americans demand that each candidate earn our trust, showcase their visions, and show how they will lead us. We deserve nothing less.

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