Babauta, Propst throw support to Harris

Two top Democrats in the CNMI – including the local party’s candidate for Washington delegate – have thrown their support behind Kamala Harris to defeat Donald Trump in this year’s election.

“Kamala Harris brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to justice to her role as Vice President,” Senator Celina Roberto Babauta said in a statement. “Her advocacy for healthcare reform, criminal justice reform, and environmental protection reflects her dedication to making positive changes. As a historic figure, she inspires women and minorities across the nation. Harris’s leadership is marked by integrity and a strong sense of public service, making her a great presidential candidate.”

Ms. Harris has been a leading voice on progressive issues including police conduct accountability, requiring police training on racial profiling, ending mandatory minimum sentences, ending cash bail, ending the death penalty, supporting Ukrainians and Europe against Russian aggression, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, investing in the root issues causing migration out of Latin America and into the United States, investing in nationwide infrastructure, capping insulin costs, funding small businesses, and providing what would amount to the largest tax cut for middle and low income earners.

Representative Ed Propst, who is running to be the CNMI’s next delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives, confirmed his endorsement of Ms. Harris. Mr. Propst wrote a lengthy reaction to President Biden’s withdrawal from the race early Monday morning, Chamorro Standard Time:

“By putting country before self, President Biden has demonstrated the type of selflessness that we look for in true leaders. His decision not to seek a second presidential term put the needs of our nation first. This decision must have been very difficult for President Biden and his family, but I believe that he chose this path with America’s best interests in mind.

“The CNMI has received substantial amounts of federal assistance despite the deeply divided United States Congress. I am grateful to President Biden for his role in providing this financial assistance and for the strong working relationship he has had with our CNMI Delegate, the Honorable Gregorio Kilili Sablan.

“We cannot forget the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, in which the CNMI received $481,876,521.00, intended for COVID-19 economic relief assistance to the CNMI. I only wish the previous administration had used it more wisely and less corruptly.

“With President Biden’s decision, I hope to see an end to the cruel political rhetoric and the crude personal attacks directed at President Biden recently for something that was beyond his control—aging. We live in islands and are raised in cultures where respect for our elders is ingrained in us. We look to our elders for their wisdom. We love them and take care of them as they grow older just as they took care of us when we were younger.

“It is evident President Biden isn’t as fast as he used to be, that he fumbles his words at times, or mixes up names…none of it intentional. I saw my dad go through this. At times he would get things mixed up. If we are lucky enough to have them around, we will all experience this with our elders as they grow older, but we are raised to never belittle or to disrespect them for it. And one day, if we live long enough, we will be there too, and we hope and pray that our loved ones who will care for us will have love, patience, and tolerance for us.

“And why do I write or care about this? Because aging is a natural process, while “ageism” is not. Ageism refers to the stereotypes, discrimination, and prejudice towards others based on age. There is no excuse for it. Not even in politics.”

“In the coming months as President Biden finishes out his term, I wish him the very best. Many of his accomplishments are ignored and dismissed quickly, because of divisive politics, but we should not forget all the good that he has done for the CNMI and for our nation as a whole. Thank you President Joe Biden, and God bless you and your family.”

The Commonwealth’s Democrats can send 11 people to the Democratic National Convention in August to vote for which candidate should challenge Mr. Trump in November. CNMI Democrats in March chose by caucus to allot all 11 votes to Mr. Biden. There has been no reaction yet from the CNMI Democratic Party about how it will move forward now that Mr. Biden has released those delegates.