At a Glance
- Harris is positioned to secure the Democratic presidential nomination.
- She trails slightly in recent polls, echoing Biden’s previous position.
- She raised significant funds post-Biden’s announcement, signifying strong financial backing.
- Her mixed record as vice-president and prosecutorial history could be used against her.
Navigating the Path to Nomination
Kamala Harris is poised to secure the Democratic presidential nomination, following President Joe Biden’s potential withdrawal. Reports indicate that influential figures like Nancy Pelosi have already endorsed her, which could smooth her path to the nomination.
Receiving over $80 million in donations within 24 hours of Biden’s announcement underscores her strong financial backing. This early show of support positions her well against her potential rival, Donald Trump, despite trailing him slightly in recent polls.
Her age (59) also provides a stark contrast to the criticisms aimed at Biden’s age, potentially turning the conversation against Trump, who is 78. Harris’s ability to connect with younger voters and revitalize the Democratic base is crucial for her campaign.
Through advocacy born of tragedy, the Parkland community organized to enact a red flag law in Florida.@POTUS and I have made resources available to help every state implement this commonsense solution. I challenge the 29 states without a red flag law to step up and save lives. pic.twitter.com/GFJm9xhmsc
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) March 25, 2024
Mixed Record as Vice-President
Harris’s tenure as vice-president has been marked by notable achievements and missteps, particularly in her handling of immigration issues. Critics argue that the administration’s unpopular immigration policies could be a significant hurdle in her campaign.
“Immigration is a soft spot for Democrats in those battleground areas,” said former New York congressman Steve Israel. “This is a very salient issue for voters living in those suburbs, fairly or unfairly. They believe that our immigration system is not managed strongly enough.”
Despite these challenges, Harris has shown resilience in key areas such as abortion rights, which remain crucial for the Democratic base. This focus may help her gain the support needed in swing states, crucial for any presidential election.
I’m Kamala Harris, and I’m running for President of the United States. pic.twitter.com/6qAM32btjj
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 25, 2024
Potential as a New Leader
Harris’s non-incumbent status allows her to make a fresh impression on the American public. However, her prosecutorial background could be leveraged against her by the Trump campaign. Moreover, concerns about her authenticity and management issues within her team add another layer of complexity to her candidacy.
Strengths and Strategic Focus
Despite these hurdles, Harris has strengths that could provide a strong foundation for her campaign. She has a solid connection with Black voters and younger demographics, which are vital for winning key swing states. Her outreach efforts to women and Black Democrats further solidify her standing within these critical groups.
Harris’s ability to frame her campaign around fundamental issues like reproductive rights can resonate deeply with suburban women, potentially shifting the narrative in her favor. Steve Israel remarked, “I think she reminds suburban women across the country, particularly in those battleground states, of what’s at stake with reproductive rights.”
As Harris navigates these untested areas, her ability to address these significant gaps will be pivotal. Her campaign strategy, public perception, and handling of key issues will determine her effectiveness as a leader and her potential success in the 2024 presidential race.
Sources
Has Kamala Harris got what it takes to beat Trump?
Joe Biden or Kamala Harris: Which Risk Is the Better Risk?
‘Can she win?’: Why Kamala Harris can’t shake doubts about her political future
Democrats begin to consider Harris at the top of their ticket