With President Joe Biden stepping aside, Vice-President Kamala Harris has secured the Democratic presidential nomination. While this clears one major hurdle, the path to defeating Republican nominee Donald Trump in November remains challenging. Harris’s elevation brings fresh strengths to the Democratic campaign but also highlights potential weaknesses that were less apparent with Biden.
Recent polls show Harris trailing Trump slightly, similar to Biden's position before his withdrawal. However, with the race now transitioning from hypothetical to actual, there is room for these numbers to shift. Democrats have experienced a surge of energy following Biden’s decision, a stark contrast to the recent weeks of uncertain regarding his ability to win the election.
Harris’s main challenge will be to harness this anti-Trump sentiment, draw voters in key swing states, and energize the Democratic base, which has been on edge in recent weeks. The announcement of Biden’s withdrawal led to a record-breaking $80 million in new donations for Harris, alongside nearly $100 million from the Biden-Harris campaign funds, providing a solid financial foundation.
One significant advantage Harris brings is her age. At 59, she counters the Republican narrative of Biden being too old. In contrast, Trump, at 78, would become the oldest person ever elected president. Harris’s relative youth and energy help make her make a more coherent case for the Democratic platform.
Harris has the potential to shore up support from black voters and other minorities, a crucial part of the winning coalition that propelled Barack Obama to victory in 2008 and 2012. Her background as a prosecutor, while previously a liability, could now serve as an asset in portraying her as tough on crime in a general election against Trump.
Harris’s role in the administration’s stance on abortion has also been significant. This issue has proven to be a potent motivator for the Democratic base, in contrast to Biden's sometimes hesitant advocacy. Steve Israel, a former New York congressman, highlighted Harris’s potential to remind suburban women of the stakes regarding reproductive rights, especially in battleground states.
Despite these strengths, Harris faces several vulnerabilities. Her tenure as vice president has seen mixed results, particularly with her handling of the migration crisis at the US-Mexico border, which has opened her to conservative attacks. Republicans have already begun targeting her as the “border czar,” aiming to leverage public dissatisfaction with immigration policies.
Her prosecutorial background could also be turned against her, with Republicans highlighting Trump’s record on criminal justice reform and scrutinizing her past decisions. Additionally, her previous run for national office in 2019 ended poorly due to a combination of fumbled interviews, a lack of clear vision, and a mismanaged campaign.
As the 2024 election approaches, Harris’s candidacy represents a pivotal moment for the Democratic Party. The decision for Biden to step aside underscores the party's need for a dynamic and vigorous leader capable of uniting the base and attracting centrist voters. While the challenges are formidable, Harris’s nomination offers a fresh opportunity to rally the party and advance its platform in the face of a contentious election.
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