Harris leads Democratic Party into convention with record-breaking momentum

In a seismic shift just five weeks after President Joe Biden stepped away from his reelection bid, the Democratic Party has experienced a dramatic resurgence, with Vice President Kamala Harris now at the helm.

As she heads into the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, starting Monday, her campaign has set new records in fundraising, energized supporters with packed arenas, and turned the tide in key battleground states.

Harris, along with her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, has harnessed the power of “joy” as a central theme of their campaign, a striking contrast to the despair that loomed over the party just weeks ago.

This historic transformation has captivated party members, with Joseph Foster, a former Democratic Party chairman from the Philadelphia suburbs, noting, “People are enthused, young people are engaged. I have never seen anything like it.”

With less than 80 days remaining until Election Day, the Democratic Party is eager to capitalize on this wave of enthusiasm, which could potentially lead to Harris making history as the first female president, as well as the first Black and Asian American person to hold the office.

However, both Democratic and Republican strategists caution that the initial excitement surrounding Harris may be fleeting. Polls indicate lingering divisions within the party on critical issues such as the economy and the Israel-Hamas conflict, alongside a fierce electoral battle against Republican candidate Donald Trump. Republican pollster Adam Geller warned, “Harris’ historic personal story is lovely and fine, but it’s the issues that are going to ultimately decide this election.”

Harris took a significant step forward by delivering her first major speech focused on the economy, unveiling proposals aimed at cutting taxes for the majority of Americans, banning “price gouging” by grocers, and enhancing affordable housing—an early nod to the party’s progressive base. Nevertheless, she faces mounting pressure to provide clearer policy details in the coming weeks, with aides indicating that she may tread carefully on contentious topics like energy to maintain harmony among moderates and progressives alike.

Compounding these challenges, Harris must navigate intraparty tensions regarding U.S. support for Israel amidst the ongoing conflict, as well as the familiar divides over healthcare, immigration, and energy policy. As the convention approaches, about 200 social justice organizations plan to march to protest the Biden administration’s continued backing of Israel, highlighting the complexities and challenges Harris will face as she leads her party into this pivotal election.

The stakes are high, and the coming days at the Democratic National Convention will be crucial in shaping the narrative for the months ahead as the party rallies around its new leader.

Reuter