The Democratic National Convention has been reconfigured to highlight Kamala Harris and her historic bid for the presidency, as Joe Biden steps aside as late cables hinted towards him losing to Trump in key states despite a productive tenure. Harris, along with Tim Walz, has energized the party and closed the gap against Trump in national polls after a rocky start. Trump has struggled with disjointed campaign events, leaving party strategists in despair. Republicans are disoriented and await the upcoming debate between Harris and Trump.
Democrats believe the upcoming election is crucial and have put their faith in Harris, who is yet to earn a vote for president. The convention occurs under the shadow of the 1968 convention in Chicago, and demonstrations are expected throughout the week. Harris will face pressure to introduce herself to voters in an upcoming speech, and the convention will feature key figures such as Barack Obama to reinforce the party’s pivot towards Harris’s campaign. Democrats are hopeful for a unity spirit and a polling boost after the convention.
Harris has framed her campaign as a fight for America’s future, vying to become the first Black female president and first Indian American president. She has focused her message on freedom and rights, contrasting herself to Trump, who she portrays as a type she has fought against in her legal career. Polls show Harris with a narrow lead over Trump, and she has reopened pathways to the White House through battleground states. However, Trump’s attacks on her economic plan and portrayal of her as an ultra-liberal could pose challenges.
Despite his unpopularity, especially on the economy, Biden steps aside with a message of preserving democracy and a historic presidency. His decision to pass the torch to Harris is seen as self-sacrifice and patriotism by the party. Democrats hope the convention will convey this message to Americans as they gather to support Harris’ bid for the presidency. Harris faces challenges in maintaining momentum and courting voters affected by inflation and high prices during the pandemic, but her campaign is seen as a potential political success even as she faces attacks from Trump. Biden’s address at the convention will underline the shift in the Democratic ticket and is expected to be a poignant moment.
