Kamala Harris has already gained significant momentum in her bid for the Democratic nomination, securing enough delegates, igniting a fundraising surge, and revitalizing a party that seemed headed for defeat. Despite this strong start, Harris is just beginning a challenging mission, facing intense future attacks from Republican nominee Donald Trump in an unpredictable election season.
In a powerful speech at campaign headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, Harris, with Biden calling in to confirm the transition, laid out her case against Trump, framing the election as a choice between two distinct futures for the country. Earlier, she presided over an event at the White House, positioning herself in the imagery of the presidency. Most notably, she received the endorsement of Nancy Pelosi, whose maneuvering was crucial in ending Biden’s stalled reelection bid. Pelosi’s endorsement quickly led other congressional leaders to rally behind Harris, solidifying her position as the Democratic nominee.
By Monday evening, Harris had more than the 1,976 pledged delegates needed to secure the nomination, according to CNN’s delegate estimate. Following the freezing of donor cash that forced Biden out, Harris raised over $100 million between Sunday and Monday evening, with 62% of the donors being first-time contributors. Her swift consolidation of power was evident in her multi-hour phone blitz to Democratic power players on Sunday, indicating a well-prepared but secret operation that effectively quashed hopes for alternative candidates.
Despite this strong start, danger signs are apparent. There’s a saying in Washington that a presidential candidate’s best day is often the one following their announcement. Harris, now playing at the highest level, must sustain this new momentum in a party that seemed headed for defeat just days ago. Even if she secures the Democratic nomination, she will face Trump’s aggressive campaign. Trump is known for his misogynistic and racially charged rhetoric, likely making the upcoming months some of the most contentious in modern election history.
The pressure on Harris from Democrats is immense. While she has shown signs of improving her political skills, this has never been her strength. Party leaders are not only relying on her to prevent a new era of conservative rule that could undo the achievements of the Biden and Obama presidencies, but also to lead a campaign with the foundational goal of saving democracy from Trump. Harris has just over 100 days to achieve this.
Trump initially seemed thrown off by the sudden shift in Democratic candidates. However, his campaign quickly adapted, previewing a blistering assault on Harris. Trump’s co-campaign managers, Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita, depicted her as the “copilot” of Biden’s failures, criticizing her record on immigration and her historically low approval ratings. “She makes just as much sense as Joe Biden. By that we mean, none at all,” they stated.
Harris’ push for the Democratic nomination is a significant twist in a race that has defied convention, with the oldest president in US history launching a reelection bid only to step back. The Republican nominee, Trump, is another unpopular figure who attempted to subvert US democracy after losing the last election and is a convicted felon. Despite this, Trump was celebrated at the GOP convention as a strongman hero following an assassination attempt.
Harris has moved swiftly to unify the party, with key power brokers avoiding a divisive nomination fight. Governors, senators, and state delegations quickly rallied behind her, reflecting a party desperate to prevent a second Trump term. As Wisconsin Democratic Party Chairman Ben Wikler noted, there has been a “flowering of unity” since Biden stepped down. Harris’ unique coalition may replace the frayed one that hindered Biden’s campaign. A CNN poll indicated that Harris outpolled Biden among women, independents, and movable voters in a hypothetical matchup against Trump, crucial voting blocs in swing states.
Harris’ rise has redefined the 2024 race, shifting Democrats from defense over Biden’s age to a generational transformation with a candidate nearly 20 years younger than the 78-year-old Republican nominee. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, during her GOP primary campaign, had suggested that the first party to “retire their 80-year-old” candidate would win the election, a move Democrats have now made. “I promise you, you’re never going to hear Donald Trump ask his opponent to take a cognitive test again,” Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell of California said.
New Hampshire Republican Gov. Chris Sununu predicted a significant change in the race with Biden’s replacement, suggesting that Democrats might be rewarded by independents for their decision. Harris on Monday began using the symbolic imagery of the White House to enhance her reputation, welcoming National Collegiate Athletics Association championship teams, a duty typically performed by presidents but taken on by Harris as Biden neared the end of his Covid-19 isolation. She praised Biden, saying he had “surpassed the legacy of most presidents who have served two terms,” without directly mentioning the election.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, expected to soon endorse Harris, stated, “Vice President Kamala Harris is off to a great start with her promise to pursue the presidential nomination.”
However, Harris faces significant challenges. Democrats are betting on a candidate who is unpopular and has not yet proven she can perform better than Biden in key swing states. If Harris stumbles, Democrats risk being seen as imposing another unsuitable candidate. Additionally, it remains to be seen whether voters’ frustrations were primarily due to Biden’s age or broader economic concerns. Trump, despite his flaws, has often led polling on key issues like immigration, national security, and the economy. Harris could suffer if Biden’s legacy is an electoral handicap.
Trump’s team is intensifying their attacks, portraying Harris as complicit in a supposed White House cover-up of Biden’s health. GOP vice presidential nominee JD Vance claimed, “Kamala Harris lied about it. My Senate Democratic colleagues lied about it. The media lied about it. Every single person who saw Joe Biden knew that he wasn’t capable of doing the job, and for three years they said nothing, until he became political deadweight.”
Harris also faces the challenge of overcoming historic barriers. Sixteen years ago, many doubted the country would elect a Black man, but Barack Obama proved them wrong. Now, Harris, a Black woman and Asian American, faces an even higher historic barrier.
