Only a mere week in the past, the United States presidential election seemed a predictable affair. Supporters of Donald Trump, relishing their champion’s recent escape from an assassination attempt, naively anticipated a sweeping victory. Meanwhile, Democrats were left muddled and dejected as a frail President Joe Biden barely managed to retain his party’s nomination. However, a turbulent week in American history swiftly inverted this scenario, thereby unveiling a completely new dynamic for the 2024 presidential race. The race now includes fresh faces, novel points of focus, and shifted perspectives for both parties.
Stepping up in Biden’s stead, Vice President Kamala Harris generated a momentarily high-spirited atmosphere among the Democrats. She broke fundraising records, dominated social media, and created what some Democrats nostalgically compared to the enthusiasm that enveloped Barack Obama’s precedent-setting candidacy years ago. Nonetheless, this brief spark of optimism may not have the lasting power to significantly impact the race.
Conversely, mood among the Republicans swung from gleeful anticipation to existential dread as they comprehended the now-uncertain nature of Trump’s victory. A blame game commenced within conservative circles, with critical eyes turning towards Trump’s choice of running mate, JD Vance. This unknown Ohio senator, with less than two years of political experience and a reputation for incendiary remarks, seemed less and less the ideal candidate.
A little over a week ago, Vance received a resounding reception at the RNC in Milwaukee, where faith in Trump seemed unwavering, bolstered by his recent brush with fatality. Presently, however, this certainty appears to have evaporated.
The rapid shift in the electoral scene underscores the unpredictable ambience that characterizes the Trump era, where the established common sense often misses the mark. Although the Democrats appear newly invigorated, it is worth questioning if this newfound energy is not overly premature.
Initial public poll results indicate that Harris holds a marginal advantage against Trump compared to Biden’s standing prior to his exit from the race. Yet these numbers equally highlight the potential for a tight race in a country steeped in political divisions.
Numerous uncertainties still shroud the impending electoral rush. Harris’s vice presidential pick remains undetermined. Trump has instigated further doubts over the upcoming debate scheduled on Sept. 10 and ABC’s involvement, supposedly part of Biden’s deal. The possibility of third-party candidates introducing unpredicted turns in the race continues to loom.
Furthermore, an influx of political commercials, amounting to over a billion dollars, is yet to hit airwaves as both parties reassess their messages, strategies, and routes to securing the requisite 270 electoral votes. However, Harris’s takeover has undeniably shifted the scene.
Particularly striking is the $200 million fundraising record Harris shattered within a week of assuming Biden’s campaign. Furthermore, her team reported that most of these donations originated from first-time contributors. During the same timeframe, over 170,000 volunteers enlisted to aid Harris’s campaign with various electoral activities.
This unanticipated ripple of enthusiasm has extended its benefits to Democrats across the board. It prompted John Anzalone, a former Biden pollster, to whimsically refer to Harris’ candidacy as ‘a defibrillator’ meant to resuscitate Democrats and swing voters on a national scale.
In Wisconsin, Sen. Tammy Baldwin, who skipped Biden’s four recent visits to her state, eagerly joined Harris for the Vice President’s inaugural political rally. Similarly, in Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who time and again chose her book tour over supporting Biden, has now pledged her support to Harris.
With Harris leading the campaign, Democrats have successfully averted uncomfortable questions regarding their nominee’s advanced age and mental clarity. Instead, they switched focus to issues that place them in an attacking position.
As a female candidate, Harris has brought to fore the Republican’s controversial stance on abortion rights. As a seasoned prosecutor, she used Trump’s criminal conviction in New York as a leverage to assert dominance. In doing so, she reshaped the political dialogue while setting a new course for her campaign.
Democrats in Disarray as Biden Stammers, Harris Takes Over appeared first on Real News Now.
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