The breathlessness of US politics increased this week as Vice President Kamala Harris emerged as the presumptive Democratic nominee for the 2024 presidential election, following President Joe Biden's withdrawal. Her candidacy has sparked a wave of enthusiasm, among Democratic voters especially Black women, reinvigorating the Democratic base and boosting fundraising efforts. This development has reshaped the 2024 political landscape, both in terms of strategy and voter engagement.
The energy surrounding Harris's candidacy is palpable, particularly among African American women, a demographic that has historically been the backbone of Democratic grassroots efforts. Denise Hamilton, speaking from sunny Jamaica, captured this excitement perfectly: "We have done the impossible and the incredible time and time again." Hamilton was among the 40,000 women on a historic Zoom call held hours after Biden dropped out of the race, exemplifying the rapid and robust organisational power rallying behind Harris.
The impact of Harris's nomination extends beyond just raw enthusiasm. Logan Phillips noted the shifting dynamics in polling: "Harris's polling mirrors Biden's, but we need to see where this race actually is in three weeks." Phillips emphasised that while current numbers are similar to Biden's, the real test will come as Harris begins to solidify her position as the nominee and engages with voters who were not excited by the choice of either Biden or Trump.
In a significant move, Kamala Harris did not attend Netanyahu’s address to Congress, signalling the Biden administration's hardening stance towards Gaza. Dave Smith thought, "Skipping Netanyahu's address was the right move politically and morally." This move, he argued, would resonate with younger, more progressive voters who have been critical of Biden's foreign policy regarding Israel and Palestine.
Zee Cohen Sanchez highlighted the strategic importance of Harris's commitment to key issues: "The Democratic Party has made a stance, right?" Sanchez pointed out that Harris's nuanced approach to complex issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict could help maintain crucial support from various voter blocs.
The Republicans having to pivot to facing Harris and not Biden have already seen, racist and misogynistic attacks have been aimed at The VP. Corey Bernard commented on the likely Republican strategies against Harris: "I think they'll go heavy on portraying her as an uber-liberal, and a DEI pick but it's a strategy that could easily backfire." Bernard suggested that the GOP's attempts to paint Harris as too liberal might alienate moderate voters and galvanise her support base.
Mike Donaghue addressed the criticisms of Harris's record and identity: "It's irrelevant what her cons are because the GOP is just going to make hay of literally whatever they can." Donaghue dismissed the likely attacks on Harris's record, noting that such tactics are expected and often fail to significantly sway voters.
In Harris's first campaign rally in Milwaukee this wek, she spoke to a fired-up crowd, contrasting her record with that of former President Donald Trump. "I took on perpetrators of all kinds: predators who abused women, fraudsters who ripped off consumers, cheaters who broke the rules for their own gain," she said. "So, hear me when I say, I know Donald Trump's type." This line has dominated the news cycles and has gone down well with the Democratic base.
As Harris solidifies her position as the Democratic nominee, attention turns to her choice of running mate. Two leading contenders have emerged: Mark Kelly and Josh Shapiro. Mark Kelly, a former astronaut and Navy captain, brings a compelling personal story and significant appeal from the swing state of Arizona. His background in science and advocacy for gun control, inspired by his wife Gabby Giffords' survival of a shooting, makes him a strong candidate.
Josh Shapiro, the Governor of Pennsylvania, is another prominent contender. Shapiro's successful campaign against a Trump-aligned opponent and his ability to outperform his party in a critical swing state highlight his electoral strengths. He is known for his effective communication skills and focus on freedom and justice, resonating with a broad base of voters. However, his Jewish heritage, coupled with Harris's marriage to a Jewish man, could raise concerns about appealing to a broader electorate. Is America ready for a ticket that is headed by a woman, a woman of colour, and a Jewish VP pick?
The 2024 race has been upended; enthusiasm for the party’s prospects has returned to Democratic supporters. Black women have helped raise record levels of fundraising. Harris’ candidacy, if she can navigate the complexities of modern American politics and attacks from the Republicans, represents a significant milestone and offers a chance to redefine the future of the Democratic Party and the country if it can defeat Trumpism in November.
Kamala Harris shakes up the race