Democratic National Convention Presents a Challenge and an Opportunity for Kamala Harris
In a pivotal moment for the Democratic Party, Vice President Kamala Harris faces an uphill battle in rallying her base and broader audience towards unity at the forthcoming convention in Chicago. With the Democratic National Convention previously teetering on the edge of indifference, the event is now reframed as a vivacious endorsement of the party’s freshly minted nominee, Kamala Harris.
Biden takes the Back Seat
Struggling to fend off his political detractors, President Joe Biden’s dark warnings concerning Trump and the state of American democracy have been replaced by a more hopeful narrative delivered by Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who have dubbed their energetic campaign as the ‘joyful warriors’. President Biden now faces the task of gracing the convention, honoring the past while introducing the hope of the future — Harris. Asked about the potential discomfort of the situation, Northwestern University professor Heather Hendershot predicted that the party is prepared for the transition at the top.
Unity in Focus
Hendershot anticipates a unified front, with former Democratic presidents and president Biden bridging the gap between the past and the future. The contrast between this unity and the Republican National Convention, where Trump remained the sole past Republican president, will be palpable. But, necessary for the success of this show of unity, Harris and Walz will need to deliver powerful speeches outlining the Democrats’ vision for the future.
Enthusiasm on the Rise
A recent Monmouth University poll showed a remarkable surge of enthusiasm among registered Democratic voters and a notable increase among independents. The statistical leap from 46 percent in June to 85 percent in August amongst registered Democrats demonstrated significant momentum within the party. This brings hope to the Harris campaign but also poses new challenges around diffusing the divisions within her own base.
A Thorny Issue: Gaza
The thorny question remaining is how Harris will embrace the pro-Palestinian factions of her party amid Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza. This challenge came to the forefront when Harris engaged with pro-Palestinian protesters at a Detroit rally earlier this month. Unlike Biden, who previously allowed for the protesters to voice their objections, Harris took a stern and direct approach, steering the narrative back towards democracy and the 2024 race.
Winning Support Among Pro-Palestinian Activists?
Though this firm approach may have irked some, leaders from top pro-Palestinian movements indicated that they maintain an interest in supporting her candidacy, provided she considers an end to U.S. arms shipments to Israel. Predicting the vice president’s message to Arab American voters at the convention, Harris emphasized the need for a ceasefire and hostage deal, girding herself for an expedited resolution to the crisis.
A Battle of Inches
Despite the show of unity within the party, Harris still needs to tread carefully in defining her image and setting the terms for the presidential election. Amy Walter, Publisher of the Cook Political Report, explains that with partisans now equally engaged, the race is tight and will require careful maneuvering. With the convention about to kick off in Chicago, the work of shaping Harris’s image and campaign will shift into overdrive. President Biden’s categorical endorsement of Harris this Thursday recognises the stakes when he told the audience, “Our democracy is at stake, and I left you with the woman who is going to take care of it”.”
