ATLANTA — Vice President Kamala Harris could very well become the first woman president of the United States.
Although she is not the official Democratic Party nominee, Harris is considered to be the presumptive favorite after President Joe Biden endorsed her on Sunday following his announcement that he was dropping out of the race.
But women voters in metro Atlanta told 11Alive News on Monday that she won't blindly get their vote due to her gender. They recognize how historic of a moment this is, but when it comes to her policies, they're waiting to see what Harris will do next.
Mel Manbig said she lives in Midtown and said she is undecided.
"This is 2024. I think it's time for a woman to stand up strong and be a real leader," Manbig said.
Voters wonder if history will repeat itself. Secretary Hilary Clinton couldn't beat former President Donald Trump. Eight years later, is America ready for a woman president?
Inman Park voter Anna Outzin said she believes we are.
"It's a big-ticket item, but I hope that that's not too much of an uphill battle, considering the facts and statistics and her experience," Outzin said.
And so did Alpharetta voter Kirsten Kilpatrick.
"Other progressive counties have had female leaders. I want to say that we're ready. I really hope that we are," Kilpatrick said.
Harris' race and gender have been topics of conversation on social media. Outzin said it doesn't matter what Harris looks like; she believes Harris is the best pick for the ballot.
"I think that having someone who is more than qualified step in, in place of him, should resolve some of that doubt that a lot of Democrats and undecided voters have had," Outzin said.
Outzin said it was the right decision for President Joe Biden to withdraw.
"It's seems as if that most of these concerns with Biden are with truly his age and competency. I didn't hear a lot of — even from Democrats and people who were undecided, there wasn't a ton of conflict about his policies," Outzin said.
Voters are looking at everything Harris-related: past, present and future. Manbig said she hasn't been impressed with Harris' work so far.
"I do not see any improvement in our education," Manbig said. "That's why I was...undecided still."
Schools are of the utmost importance for Manbig.
"Healthcare, education is number one," Manbig said.
Kilpatrick said Harris has her vote, but she's interested in Harris' policies.
"I want to see her take a stand on prosecution of marijuana charges," Kilpatrick said.
Harris' being tough on crime while in California as attorney general is also at the top of young voters' minds. Kilpatrick is hoping to see change if she's nominated and elected.
"I want to see some progressive policies and some restorative justice policies for how we can make lives of those who have been affected by the criminal justice system better," Kilpatrick said.
Also, on Kilpatrick's and Outzin's minds is expanding the Supreme Court. Kilpatrick said reproductive rights can't be taken away.
"Millennials want to see some action. We've gotten some Supreme Court decisions that have really upset us. And I want to know if I elect someone that they're going to use executive office to make changes," Kilpatrick continued. "I don't want to see four years of the same policies."
The Democratic National Convention is less than a month away.