Democrats in Chicago will crown Kamala Harris as their standard-bearer against Donald Trump this week. This comes after one of the most dramatic turnarounds in US political history. The 59-year-old vice president, along with her running mate Tim Walz, will be the focal point of the Democratic National Convention. President Joe Biden will play a supporting role after unexpectedly dropping out of the White House race.
For Harris, the convention is a crucial opportunity to showcase her qualifications for the presidency and capitalize on the excitement leading up to the election. She is the first Black and South Asian woman to lead a major US party ticket. Harris will have the backing of three former presidents – Biden, Barack Obama, and Bill Clinton – and former nominee Hillary Clinton.
Despite the unity on display, heavy security measures will be in place in Chicago due to planned protests against the Biden-Harris administration’s support for Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Just weeks ago, the idea of Harris leading Democrats at the convention seemed unlikely. However, the political landscape has shifted dramatically since then, with Harris erasing Trump’s lead in the polls and generating excitement among voters.
Her televised speech on the final night of the convention is seen as an opportunity for her to define herself to voters and present her story as America’s first Black woman vice president. Harris is expected to focus on key issues such as high prices and abortion, areas where she can draw a contrast with Trump.
Trump, on the other hand, has been struggling to counter Harris’ surge, resorting to attacks on her race. The tables have turned for the 78-year-old incumbent as he deals with a younger, more energized candidate.
As the convention progresses, Harris can expect a boost in the polls, but the challenge will be to maintain momentum leading up to November 5th. Polls indicate vulnerabilities on key issues like immigration and the economy. However, Harris’ rapid rise in the political arena suggests she may be the one to shatter remaining glass ceilings in US politics.
Regina Bateson, a political scientist at the University of Colorado Boulder, believes Harris has successfully rallied the party around her despite initial doubts about a woman of color leading a major American party.
