Culture

I Voted For Biden In 2020—Here’s Why I Won't Be Voting For Harris In 2024

In 2012, I graduated with a degree in Women's Studies, a field that equipped me with a deep understanding of gender dynamics, intersectionality, and the historical struggles of women. I cried in 2016 when Donald Trump was elected, feeling that the progress we had fought for was under threat. However, over the years, my political journey took unexpected turns, leading me to question the very foundations of my beliefs and ultimately find a voice I never knew I had.

By Stepfanie Tyler2 min read
Pexels/Kateryna Tsurik

The first crack in my faith in the Democratic Party appeared around the time of the #MeToo movement. While the movement undeniably did good by bringing attention to sexual harassment and assault, it also began to feel like an ideological steamroller, silencing nuanced discussion and casting every interaction in black-and-white terms. The incident with Aziz Ansari, where a bad date cost him his career despite no wrongdoing on his part, was a turning point for me. It highlighted how the movement, in some instances, was weaponized to destroy lives without due process.

As an entrepreneur, I found a new lens through which to view the world – one that valued innovation, personal responsibility, and economic freedom. My updated voter registration in 2018, which I kept secret, was a step toward acknowledging that my political identity was changing. I had begun to see myself as a “single-issue voting Centrist,” focusing on practical solutions over ideological purity.

The past several years or so have been particularly tumultuous. The Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting governmental responses added layers of complexity to my evolving views. The mandates, lockdowns, and the heavy-handed approach to vaccination felt like overreach to me, infringing on personal freedoms and bodily autonomy. The Left's focus on identity politics and its disregard for scientific facts, especially regarding gender, further alienated me – the denial of basic biological truths was deeply unsettling.

In this context, I began to see the value of meritocracy more clearly. Meritocracy is the cornerstone of a thriving society, where talent and hard work are the primary determinants of success. It ensures that the most capable individuals, regardless of background, ascend to positions of influence, driving innovation and progress. Contrast this with the Left’s insistence on DEI – diversity, equity, and inclusion – as the primary criteria for decision-making. While DEI aims to rectify historical injustices, prioritizing it over merit can lead to inefficiency and mediocrity. When we focus on merit, we create an environment where excellence is recognized and rewarded, fostering a culture of achievement and innovation. It’s not about ignoring the value of diversity, but about ensuring that our pursuit of it does not compromise the standards that drive our society forward. A true meritocracy balances opportunity with competence, ensuring that those at the helm are the most qualified – ultimately benefiting everyone.

The culmination of these shifts came in a moment that was both shocking and galvanizing. Watching former President Donald Trump survive an assassination attempt and respond with unwavering resolve, standing up with blood dripping down his face and rallying the crowd with a fist pump and a cry of "Fight!", ignited something within me. It wasn't just about Trump; it was about the embodiment of resilience and patriotism that resonated with a part of me long buried under layers of academic indoctrination and ideological conformity.

This incident didn't change my mind – it gave me the courage to publicly stand by the beliefs that have been quietly forming over the past decade. My viral tweet was a declaration of this newfound clarity and freedom. The responses I received were overwhelming, with countless people reaching out to share their own stories of disillusionment and transformation.

To my fellow women, especially those who feel trapped by the expectations of the Left, I want to say this: You are not alone. It is possible to hold values that prioritize women's rights while also questioning the dogmas that have come to define modern feminism. We must embrace our individuality and think critically about the ideologies we support. It is okay to evolve, to change our minds, and to speak the truth – even when it feels uncomfortable.

Freedom of speech and thought are fundamental to a healthy society. We must protect these freedoms and encourage diverse perspectives, even when they challenge our own. Let us build a world where women can express their views without fear of ostracism, where we can be both feminists and freethinkers.

As I continue to navigate this journey, I am committed to voicing my thoughts and standing up for what I believe in. The path to authenticity is not always easy, but it is undoubtedly liberating. Together, let us forge a future where every woman's voice is heard, respected, and valued.

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