It’s past 6 a.m. at a mosque in suburban Georgia, and the topic of conversation over breakfast is Kamala Harris. “Let’s see what happens, yes, the South Asian community knows that they have a pivotal role and that their turnout and involvement could change the election in some way. Asian Americans are Georgia’s fastest growing voting demographic, with South Asians making up the largest share of that group, totaling about 86,000 voters. Joe Biden won the state by just over 11,000 votes in 2020. “The path to the White House runs straight through this state,” said Kamala Harris, the first Democrat of South Asian descent. He is presumed to be a presidential candidate. “I feel so hopeful right now.” Here in Fulton County, we have found new enthusiasm, but some are waiting to see where Harris will take a position on this issue. Masu. “I’ll definitely get re-engaged. I consider myself an independent person. I wasn’t too keen on both candidates, so I don’t know if I’ll vote before Kamala Harris comes in. “But I don’t know if anyone really expected how exhilarating it would feel. As a South Asian, I feel a connection to her. I’m more assertive this time. I would like to participate and actually do something other than just vote.” Parul Kapur is currently hosting a meet-up with friends as she prepares to organize her first fundraising event. . When did you hear that and what was your reaction when you heard it? “She was a U.S. senator. Now she’s in her fourth year as vice president. That’s a pretty impressive resume. But deep down, I know that someone who looks like me will be the next president of the United States.” “I thought it was going to happen.” “It really is.” “I think a lot of people wanted to vote for someone like Biden because they were scared.” And, you know, they were just that bullet. On the other hand, now people feel energized and want to vote.” And while the shared identity resonates with the group, it’s a conversation. will eventually return to policy. “And somehow we forget that many of us have a middle class. Taxes, inflation, those are all important issues to us.” “At the end of the day, the bottom line of this election is I think the consequences are economic.” Back at the mosque, the conversation turns to the specific issue of the war in Gaza. “The Asian American community doesn’t necessarily fit neatly along the political spectrum. We all have different identities. I’m a Muslim American. How I look at the election is kind of a combination of these different factors, and Gaza remains where I’m looking to see where Kamala Harris will differentiate herself from Biden. ” Asian American voters here decisively chose Biden in 2020, but support for him has declined in the four years since. These voters could make or break the state for Harris. “She has the potential to change the equation of how things are done for the better. Society as a whole is changing. I saw that when I arrived, when the change started. So, yes, from 1969 to today, that’s what they call the “browning of Americans, Asians, and Indians.” “It’s an open conversation. So I think Asian American voters can switch their allegiances to candidates and parties. I feel confident voting now, but I think a lot We’re going to leave a little bit of wiggle room because things can happen.”
