Think about it: No presidential nominees in modern history have faced such a direct challenge to the authenticity of their identity and by extension their qualifications to be the president.

I can tell you with confidence that the various and sundry racist, misogynist and sexist insults hurled at Ms. Harris must sting. They are a reminder of the disgraceful lengths that Republican senators took to shame me when I challenged Clarence Thomas's fitness to be appointed to the Supreme Court. What helped me stay composed was knowing that I was not the first woman to have her sanity, truthfulness and virtue falsely impugned. Even now, when I am attacked, my mother's firm but gentle admonition rings in my ears: "You know who you are and what you can do." Lesson learned: Never let the people who despise you define you.

One key to surviving under such pressure is to forcefully embrace the value of your own capabilities and principles. "Don't be confined to other people's perception about what this looks like, and how you should act in order to be," Ms. Harris said this year.

One facet of Vice President Harris's dignity is her recognition of the right of others to be treated with respect. Take Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders's remark that "my kids keep me humble. Unfortunately, Kamala Harris doesn't have anything keeping her humble." Ms. Sanders's statement was a clumsy attempt to alienate Ms. Harris from women with children. Ms. Harris responded by showing her commitment to valuing all women. She spoke with heart about her love of being a stepmother to two children. And she reminded us that women are routinely made aware of our own shortcomings and limitations - whether or not we have kids.

By staying true to herself - her refusal to be thrown on the defensive by personal attacks - Ms. Harris is showing people how to protect and nurture their own self-worth. I say this because I have witnessed how composure under duress can inspire others.

Perfect reminder for those Retort posters thinking that anyone is influenced by their unhinged personal attacks, masquerading as critique. Unlike them, one thing that Kamala has not done since she ascended to the top of her ticket is to gripe and complain about what others say about her. She's remained focus on one goal - earning the right to serve this nation and all its people as a President respecting of laws and the Constitution, not one who's trying to bend, pervert, or destroy both in service of an anti-freedom/pro fascist/pro criminal agenda.