Harris 2024: A New Era Begins
The telephone line was fuzzy, but Joe Biden’s message to Kamala Harris was clear: “I’m watching you, kid. I love you.” This call marked a significant shift in US politics. With Biden stepping aside, Harris, a former prosecutor, state attorney general, and California senator, became the Democratic Party’s new candidate just a day after Biden’s surprising announcement.
Immediately, Harris hit the campaign trail, addressing supporters across the country. By Wednesday, she had secured enough delegates for the upcoming national convention. Speaking to a historically Black sorority in Indianapolis, Harris received emotional support from Biden, who urged the nation to rally behind her. He said, “I revere this office, but I love my country more.”
Next, prominent Democrats, including Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and Hillary Clinton, quickly endorsed Harris. In Indiana, Harris energized supporters, emphasizing the stakes: “Our nation is counting on you to energize, organize, and mobilize.”
Harris’s campaign rapidly took shape. She delivered speeches in key states, rallying in Milwaukee with the message: “We’re not going back” to the “chaos” of the Trump years. In Houston, she envisioned a future where everyone thrives. Moreover, she met with Israel’s prime minister, condemning violence at a Washington DC protest.
Meanwhile, behind the scenes, Harris’s fundraising efforts broke records, raising $81 million in 24 hours and surpassing $130 million by Thursday night. Her team released a campaign video featuring Beyoncé’s “Freedom,” appealing to younger voters. Youth organizations like March for Our Lives backed her. Additionally, British singer Charli XCX’s endorsement on social media resonated with Generation Z.
However, Trump’s campaign struggled to find effective attack lines. Trump called Harris a “radical left extremist” and questioned her qualifications. As Harris’s first week as a presidential candidate ends, the question remains whether she can maintain the momentum through the next 101 days. Harris and her team are confident, aiming not only for November’s election but also for the years beyond.
Re-reported from the article originally published in The Guardian.
