Janice R. Andrews
President Joe Biden abruptly announced his intention to withdraw from the 2024 presidential contest, causing Democrats to unite around Vice President Kamala Harris as their nominee. Given that Harris will be running against former President Donald Trump in the next election, this move represents a dramatic shift in the political environment.
Biden Resigns: An Iconic Choice
Given that it has been 56 years since an incumbent president eligible for a second term decided not to seek for reelection, many people were surprised by President Biden’s declaration. In his remarks, Biden urged support for Harris and urged harmony within the Democratic Party. Party officials, financial backers, and grassroots advocates greeted this request with unwavering excitement, paving the way for Harris to secure the Democratic nomination.
The Elusive Component
The Democratic Party has received a much-needed energy boost since Harris entered the contest. Democrats, who had been having heated discussions over whether Joe Biden should be allowed to serve a second term, are now excited about her campaign. “This is an entirely new race with an entirely new tone,” said a Democratic consultant. The record-breaking $81 million that Harris’s fundraising team generated in the first 24 hours following Biden’s announcement was indicative of this renewed vigor.
The Benefit of Age
Harris’s age is one of her biggest assets. She stands in sharp contrast to Biden, who was criticized for being too elderly, and Trump, who, at 78, is now the oldest major-party presidential contender in American history. Biden is just 59 years old. In addition to allaying worries about Biden’s advanced age, Harris’s relative youth puts her in a position to challenge Trump’s suitability for government. This relationship may play a pivotal role in influencing voters who harbor concerns over the age of their leaders.
Dynamics of Polling
According to early surveys, Harris would fare about as well as Biden versus Trump in a hypothetical contest. Although the majority of these surveys were taken before to Biden’s exit, a new study has Harris ahead of Trump. But when she becomes serious about her campaign, it’s still too early to tell what effect her candidacy will have in total.
The Opinion of Skeptics
Notwithstanding the fervor at first, doubts exist over Harris’s capacity to materially alter the race’s dynamics. Her affiliation with Biden’s administration, critics claim, might work against her in the election, especially on divisive subjects like inflation and immigration. Moreover, Harris’s prior 2020 presidential campaign, which ended before the first primary votes were cast, has thrown doubt on her ability to run a successful campaign.
An Approach to Prosecute the Case
Harris’s supporters think she has the abilities to successfully oppose Trump. She is thought to be able to provide a strong case against Trump, who is dealing with a number of legal issues, given her background as a prosecutor. The Bulwark’s Frederick Baron and Dennis Aftergut contend that Harris’s prosecution of Trump’s case introduces a new element into the 2024 contest: “the prosecutor against the convicted felon.”
Democratic Cooperation and the Way Ahead
Party division over Biden’s candidacy has subsided with Harris’s ascent to the Democratic nomination. Her ability to raise money and this unity provide the Democrats a strong platform going into the election. Democrats saw Harris’s capacity to galvanize important voting demographics—young voters and Black voters in particular—as a possible game-changer.
Republican Tactics
There is a perception among Republicans that Harris may be less difficult to defeat than Biden. GOP strategists are already getting ready to draw attention to Harris’s past radical stances and connect her to Biden’s ideas. But Harris’s backers contend that people looking for change could be moved by her zeal and new outlook.
The 2024 presidential contest will change significantly as a result of Kamala Harris’s candidacy. Her strong opponent against Donald Trump is positioned by her prosecutorial abilities, financial prowess, and capacity to bring the Democratic Party together. It will become more evident as the campaign progresses how Harris’s presence affects voter mood and changes the political environment.
With Harris leading the field, the Democrats are preparing for a historic contest against Trump with the goal of reviving optimism and reform in the American political system.
