Brief overview
Kamala Harris’s upbringing contrasts with Donald Trump’s, reflecting differing values and ideals based on the concepts of ‘strict father family’ and ‘nurturant family’ outlined by Dr. George Lakoff. Harris embodies courage and effectiveness, supported by her background in justice and equality, and has demonstrated her leadership and strength through her career as a prosecutor and U.S. Senator. Admired for her caring and progressive values, Harris advocates for women’s rights and economic development, making her a symbol of hope in challenging times. Her commitment to justice, empathy, and open dialogue distinguishes her as a compassionate yet action-oriented leader, providing a reassuring example of effective leadership in today’s uncertain political climate. She is ready to be the leader of the free world.
Morals & Politics
Kamala Harris’s campaign has not only energized democratic voters, but she has set the stage to bring a revitalized and person-centered approach to a leadership style that in my view is humanistic. Her upbringing was just the opposite of Donald Trump.
Trump was raised in a “strict father family,” which according to, Dr. George Lakoff, one of two types of families. Lakoff is an American cognitive linguist and philosopher and is best known for his theory of how conceptual metaphors can explain conservative and progressive thinking. He described these two ideals in his book Moral Politics. He argues that conservatives and liberals hold two different conceptual models of morality. An idealized “strict father family” is expressed in terms of power and authority, which rests with the head of the family (father) or the head of a political party (MAGA) or nation—-authoritarian-autocratic values. People are made good through self-discipline and hard work, and everyone is taken care of by taking care of themselves.
Trump was raised in an ultra-conservative, strict father family, and exhibits extreme right wing, fascist values. Throughout his adult life he followed a path outside the law. While president he was investigated for collaborating with Russian operatives. He was impeached twice. At his last rally as President he incited the January 6 insurrection. Trump’s treasonous actions was investigated by a bipartisan House committee which found that Trump was responsible for the insurrection. Once out of office he was indicted in cases in New York, Washington, and Florida for trying to overturn the 2020 election and stealing classified documents from the Oval Office. Trump was raised in an ultra-conservative, strict father family, and exhibits extreme right wing values. Some of his former aides have indicated that he is a fascist.
Kamala Harris was raised in a nurturant parent family. This is the second type of idealized family identified by Lakoff, and is expressed in terms of progressive values: empathy, caring, support for each other, public resources for all. Lakoff identifies these people as progressive or liberal. Kamala Harris exudes those values, and we see these exhibited in her speaking engagements at rallies, and in small group discussion.
Thinking About Kamala Harris
I’ve been blogging here for nearly 20 years through the Bush, Obama, Trump, and Biden presidencies. I’ll continue to blog into the Harris presidency. I believe strongly in her candidacy for president of the United States. Here is why I feel this way.
Kamala Harris embodies the courage and effectiveness that America needs in its leadership. Born into a multicultural family that instilled strong values of justice and equality, she has risen to become a formidable presidential candidate and a beacon of hope for many. As an effective prosecutor and former Attorney General of California, Harris has consistently supported the rule of law, demonstrating her commitment to justice while standing firm against those who threaten democracy.
In her role as U.S. Senator, she has not only gained respect for her intelligence but also for her ability to connect with people on a human level. Her performance in the debate against Trump was nothing short of spectacular; she trounced him with poise and clarity, showcasing her strength as a leader willing to stand up to demagoguery and fascism.
Adored by her supporters for being caring, empathic, and progressive, Harris brings forth innovative ideas aimed at boosting the economy for families and new businesses alike. She is a leader in the fight to protect women’s rights—advocating fiercely for individuals’ autonomy over their own bodies. Her openness to dialogue coupled with her commitment to progressive ideas makes Kamala Harris not just an effective politician but also a symbol of hope in turbulent times.
In this era where leadership is often questioned, Kamala Harris stands out as someone who combines compassion with action—a true testament to what it means to lead effectively while remaining grounded in humanity.
0 Comments