Only a week prior, it seemed that the outcome of the U.S. presidential election was written in stone. Enthusiastic supporters of Donald Trump were savoring the anticipation of what they believed was a surefire win, all during a Republican National Convention that buzzed with celebration for the nominee who had miraculously escaped a threat on his life and looked set to bring the nation together. On the other hand, Democrats seemed dispirited as a fading President Joe Biden desperately clung on to his party’s nomination. However, over an unparalleled week in American history, the 2024 presidential campaign underwent a metamorphosis. We find ourselves now, a mere 99 days before Election Day, at the dawn of a radically reshaped race featuring new faces, shifting priorities and a transformed perspective from both parties.
Last Sunday, Vice President Kamala Harris assumed Biden’s place, shattering fundraising records in no time, asserting a lofty presence on social media, and stirring a level of enthusiasm amongst some Democrats that was compared to the fervor that graced Barack Obama’s historic run almost twenty years back. Republicans, who had been basking in confidence, now find themselves grappling with anxiety and discontent as they come to terms with the uncertainty of Trump’s triumph. As their morale plummets, the blame game has started, and the ripple effects are evident throughout the ranks.
Some well-known conservatives have wasted no time in questioning Trump’s choice of vice president, JD Vance, an Ohio senator with barely two years of experience and a notorious record of controversial remarks. The same Vance who, less than two weeks ago, was met with thunderous applause as he took the stage at the RNC in Milwaukee, rapidly emerged as a figure of doubt for many within the party. The sudden shift in sentiment within such a short span underscores the precarious nature of expectations in the era of Trump, where the status quo seldom stays static and preconceived notions are regularly laid to rest.
Nonetheless, Democrats celebrating their newfound hope may be letting their joy get the best of them prematurely. Latest polling paints a picture where Harris appears to have a slight edge over Trump in comparison to Biden’s position before his departure from the race. But, these numbers also host warning signs of an incredibly tightly contested battle in a very polarized country. At this point, enigmas outnumber certainties regarding what the race holds for the upcoming 99 days.
Kamala Harris has yet to name a running mate. The upcoming debate, scheduled for Sept. 10 and organized by ABC, hangs in a cloud of uncertainty following Trump’s statements hinting at a previous agreement with Biden. The roles third-party candidates might play continue to be unpredictable. More than a billion dollars’ worth of political advertisements are still awaiting their air time as both parties attempt to recalibrate their messaging, their stances and their strategies to secure the crucial 270 electoral votes.
Undeniably, the tide has twisted over the past week. Harris managed to rake in an unprecedented $200 million within a mere week of replacing Biden’s campaign, with a whopping two-thirds of the funds originating from first-time contributors, her campaign revealed. Simultaneously, the campaign saw a surge in enthusiasm with over 170,000 volunteers signing up to assist the Democratic nominee with various campaign efforts, ranging from phone-banking to on-the-ground canvassing. The tidal wave of support has proven to be a boon for Democrats throughout the election ladder.
Former Biden pollster, John Anzalone, lauds Harris’s run as an inspirational force for Democrats and ambivalent voters nationwide. Even Sen. Tammy Baldwin, a Democrat from Wisconsin who missed Biden’s four most recent congregations in her state, showed her support in person at Harris’ initial rally last Wednesday. This illustrated a notable shift in Democratic support and enthusiasm.
In a parallel change of events in Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who previously held the position of Biden’s national campaign co-chair, refused to leave her book tour to accompany the president in Michigan at a crucial point earlier that month. However, Whitmer is now scheduled to share the stage with Harris during an event in Pennsylvania, after already campaigning for her in New Hampshire during the past weekend. These changing alliances and renewed energy are reflective of the profound shift in the political landscape.
The discourse has undergone a marked transformation as well. Democrats, who were previously plagued by concerns about their nominee’s age and cognitive aptitude, have pivoted to key issues that enable them to launch proactive campaigns. Having Harris at the helm has allowed the party to highlight the fight against GOP’s stance on abortion rights, a battle that Biden arguably failed to champion effectively. Additionally, with her background as a prosecutor, Harris has been confidently bringing Trump’s criminal conviction in New York into the limelight.
Trump’s Might Put Rookie VP Candidate to the Test appeared first on Real News Now.
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