Friends Surprised to Find Themselves Talking Politics

My friends and I never talk about politics. Most of us are originally from other countries. I’m from Georgia-the country, and only two of us can vote.  But one night in October we sat around a table in E Sushi in Brooklyn and had a couple of drinks when suddenly Yana Sigua said, “I know this is usually not the topic of the conversation, but who do you support in elections? Debates this time were crazy.”

This was surprising. We hang out once a month or so, and have never ending yap sessions. One topic replaces another in a matter of milliseconds. We talk about hot dishes or tea, movies, TV shows, even our guilty pleasures, books, old friends, new acquaintances, ex-boyfriends, future wedding plans, and the annoying coworker who always sings. But the heated political season made us want to pivot. 

“None of them are good for this country,” said Natali Basharuli, pouting with disappointment. “We have to choose one of the two unsatisfactory options, and the outcome will not be ideal in any of those scenarios. But Kamala is a safer option,” she sighed.  “At least we’ll get to keep basic human rights.”  Natali mentioned that, during Trump’s presidency she remembered a lot of negativity and unfairness. “I’m saying this straight up, my vote would go to Kamala Harris. Not because she a perfect candidate, nor will she give us fairy tales, but because I think between the two of them she is the more sensible one”

The women in this group confront the issues surrounding immigration everyday and for us it is personal. “It is not ideal for the country to be represented by a person such as Donald Trump,”  said Yana  assertively.  She brought up Trump’s lie that Haitians in Springfield, Ohio were eating pets.  “The person who accused people of eating cats and dogs… that’s all I have to say.” 

Elene Dundua chimed in, “I’m one of the lucky ones here. I get to record my vote, and it will go to Harris,” she said. Elena, like a lot of other people, understands the importance of good healthcare and that’s why she is supporting Vice President Harris rather than former president Donald Trump. She remembers that he tried repeatedly to eliminate the Affordable Care Act, which provides health insurance. She said, “I think she will do more for the healthcare system, especially for women’s healthcare. I’m a young  woman who suffers from endometriosis and I have recently learned that I might have fertility problems.” 

She also pointed out that birth control and fertility treatments are big priorities for some. “I’d like to know that, women who are out there and are able to get pregnant or use fertility treatment, still have a choice, whether or not to become a mother. I think in case Harris becomes a president, there are more chances for women’s health to be taken care of more sensibly,” she said.

“For the first time ever, I am kind of glad my immigration status does not allow me to vote yet. This saves me from making a very tough choice.” Said Uliana Mevko. She felt torn between the two candidates, “As much as I believe that Kamala Harris would give us more guarantee of equality and happiness within, I do not think she can provide financial stability. Whilst Trump is a great businessman and knows finances well, I think in the case of his presidency, the economy would spike up. But people might lose internal happiness.”

The conversation petered out and we ended up talking about everything and anything as usual. But the two of us who are eligible to vote will definitely be voting for Kamala Harris.