Yes Python is definitely a programming language, I write in C/C++/C#/Python/Bash each language has its areas where they are best.
I prefer Python for DevOps related code and writing smaller programs/tools. You just get so much handed to you with Python’s toolbox, it just makes things easier, you can use it as a scripting language or write a modular object oriented program.
I use C/C++ when performance matters and I want things to be Done right TM, and make sure to use all the help the compilers and static code checkers can give.