Back in August 2015, Kim Kardashian snapped a selfie with presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton. Kanye West also posed in the shot that Kardashian captioned, "I got my selfie!!! I really loved hearing her speak & hearing her goals for our country! #HillaryForPresident." At the time, it seemed pretty clear which candidate the reality star planned to vote for in 2016. I mean, she used a hashtag and everything. Yet Kardashian's presidential choice recently came into question when she told Wonderland magazine she was "on the fence" about the election. But after receiving backlash, Kardashian wrote a blog post endorsing Clinton on Saturday night —and what she said in it matters greatly. In fact, it makes me respect Kardashian more, and no, not just because #ImWithHer, too.
In her blog post, the 35-year-old star cleared the air and explained where those Wonderland comments came from. It turns out that a conversation Kardashian had with Caitlyn Jenner spurred her to do her own research. Jenner is an well-known Republican, so naturally people assumed this meant Kardashian was now potentially leaning toward Trump. Nope, not the case. She wrote,
There was a point when I wasn't 100% sure I was even going to vote in this election; I didn't want to vote blindly. But I also thought about how not voting would mean that I wasn't making my voice heard, so I decided to talk to my closest friends and family who I love and trust, to have an open conversation about politics. I believe we owe it to ourselves, and to each other, to ask questions. To do our research so that we vote for the candidate who represents our own beliefs.
Kardashian articulated her points clearly, and highlighted what really matters here: doing your research, deciding which issues you care most about, and voting in November. She succeeded in "making [her] voice heard" without forcing her opinions on other people.
Granted, I breathed a sigh of relief myself when I found out Kardashian isn't on the Trump Train. But no, that's not why I loved her essay so much. Instead, I appreciate the fact that she encouraged her millions of fans to do their research as well. She doesn't say they have to agree with her. Instead, she just is asking for them to make informed opinions and decide for themselves. Because that's what elections are all about.
I also respect the fact that Kardashian considers certain social issues nonnegotiable. She explained her loyalty to Clinton lies in the fact that she agrees with the Democratic nominee's stance on gun safety and women's rights to safe and legal abortions. No matter where you stand on those particular issues, the point is that you should find the candidate that values what you value most. Kardashian has been an advocate for gun safety for awhile now, and this shows she genuinely believes in the cause. She explained,
I found that without a doubt, I stand with Hillary. I'm with her. I believe Hillary will best represent our country and is the most qualified for the job. This year, I'm not just voting for myself, but also for my children, and I took that into careful consideration when I made my decision.
Showing maturity and that she's thinking beyond herself, Kardashian considered her children's futures in her own vote. She's really not the vapid TV star some people make her out to be — and if anything, this essay shows that her words should be taken more seriously than they currently are. At the end of her post, Kardashian made clear that she never judges anyone for their political or religious beliefs, and I think if everybody in America had that mindset, things would be in a much more positive place right now. It's possible to politely disagree, rather than tear down those who have different opinions.
When Kardashian first took that selfie with Clinton last August, it might've seemed like an attention-grabbing move, maybe a way to spark some conversation. But in contrast, this latest blog post shows depth, growth, and sincere thought about who the star is voting for. It's a reminder that all of us should take our votes equally seriously. I never thought I'd say this, but let's all be a little more like Kim K in this regard. Instead of judging a book by its cover (or candidate, in this case), take the time to do the reading. That way you can be sure to make the right decision for yourself come November, because whether that's Clinton, Trump, or a write-in nominee, your voice matters just as much as Kardashian's.
