"To all those Americans who work hard every day to fulfill their dreams, who stand by each other, whose stories are only possible in America, I accept the nomination as the next U.S. presidential candidate," said Kamala Harris.
Last Thursday night, Kamala Harris officially began her campaign for the presidency in front of 22,000 enthusiastic and cheering Democratic supporters at the United Center in Chicago.
Kamala portrayed herself as an ordinary American who, coming from a working-class immigrant family, has worked tirelessly and with dedication to compete in the battle to become the most powerful person in the world. "I am an American just like you," she stated.
Harris highlighted that, as a prosecutor in California, she would introduce herself by saying, "Kamala Harris, on behalf of the people." She emphasized that throughout her professional life, she has consistently fought on behalf of the people.
In contrast, Donald Trump, who was nurtured by immense wealth from his father, cannot understand or participate in the everyday struggles of ordinary Americans, according to Harris. "Throughout his life, Trump has only fought for one person: Trump himself," she said. To differentiate herself from the Republican contender, Trump, Harris frequently referred back to her hardworking childhood. She was not born with a silver spoon. Her mother, a scientist from India, came with dreams of discovering a cure for cancer. After separating from her husband from Jamaica, Harris's mother managed the household alone and raised her two daughters with the belief that hard work and dedication are never in vain.
The day before, on the second day of the convention, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz accepted the party's nomination as Harris's running mate. With this nomination, the Harris-Walz ticket officially entered the electoral contest against Trump and J.D. Vance. Harris’s nomination as the Democratic presidential candidate was unexpected just a month ago. President Joe Biden was anticipated to compete for this position, having been preparing for the party nomination after winning the party's primary for over two months. However, doubts about whether the 82-year-old Biden could fulfill the role increased among American citizens. After a dismal performance in the first debate with Trump on June 27, Biden’s candidacy came under question within the party. Polls showed that not only was Biden likely to lose the upcoming election, but his candidacy could also lead to a Democratic defeat in Congress and the Senate. After receiving advice from former President Barack Obama and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and showing clear reluctance, Biden withdrew from the race. On July 21, Kamala Harris was named his successor as the party's candidate.
There was significant skepticism among Americans about whether Harris could defeat Trump. Her "approval" rating was lower than Biden's. But once Biden's withdrawal was announced, the situation changed overnight. The intense frustration and reluctance within the party transformed into unprecedented energy nationwide. In just a month, Harris raised nearly $300 million, mostly from ordinary Americans. Thousands volunteered. According to Democratic strategist David Axelrod, the party seemed to regain its composure like a sudden electric shock. They believed it was not only possible to defeat Trump but necessary to do so to prevent a grave threat to America's democratic future. Over the past month, Harris rapidly climbed in the polls. While Biden lagged 5-7 points behind, Harris is now 2 points ahead of Trump nationally. According to U.S. election rules, winning the overall popular vote is not as important as securing at least 270 electoral votes. To achieve this, either Trump or Harris would need to win most of the seven "battleground" states. Biden was significantly behind in each of these states. Harris has narrowed this gap and has even gained in some. However, it cannot yet be said that she has secured 270 electoral votes. Experts believe that after a successful convention, the public has gotten to know Harris and Walz better. Therefore, with their current momentum, reaching the set goal is not impossible. On Thursday, the day Harris received her nomination, the reliable polling organization Gallup Poll gave her good news. According to their latest survey, Harris’s public support rose by 13 percent in August. Currently, Harris and Trump’s support is 47% and 41%, respectively. The main reason for this dramatic change is that most Americans do not want Trump as their next president. Beyond his deeply loyal supporters, most Americans believe Trump is not suitable for the role. Addressing undecided Republican or independent voters, former Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger has urged not to forget that the country is above the party. Like many others, Kinzinger supports Harris.
However, there is no reason to believe that the Harris-Walz ticket will easily win. Trump has already labeled them as extremely liberal and leftist. He has claimed that if Harris is elected, America will become as impoverished as Cuba or Venezuela. Millions of outsiders will cross the border, leading to a collapse of the economy and law and order. Furthermore, America's traditional values will be lost. Trump has derisively referred to Harris as "Comrade Kamala."
Kamala Harris’s Challenges
Harris faces two main challenges: the economy and immigration. On both issues, most Americans believe only Trump can handle the situation. Many white males in the U.S. are still not ready to accept a woman as president. Harris must overcome this barrier. However, the issue of abortion is a significant support for her. Most American women and men believe that abortion decisions should be made by each woman rather than the state. In 2022, a U.S. Supreme Court decision overturned the previously upheld right to abortion, thanks to votes from three conservative justices appointed by Trump. Harris has blamed Trump for this overturn and promised to restore abortion rights if elected president.
Another challenge for Harris is the ongoing war in Gaza. Many feared that disagreements on this issue would lead to major disputes at the Democratic Party convention. Although there were anti-war protests outside the convention center, no disruptions occurred within the convention. Harris is aware that opposition from anti-war Muslim and Arab voters could lead to defeats in states like Michigan, Georgia, and Wisconsin, which could be significant obstacles to securing 270 electoral votes. With this in mind, she has strongly advocated for the protection of Palestinian interests alongside supporting Israel’s security. She has called not only for an immediate ceasefire but also for the recognition of Palestinian self-determination.
An imminent test for Harris is the television debate with Trump on September 10. As an experienced prosecutor, she has said she has put many deceivers and sexual harassers like Trump behind bars. “I know this type of character well,” she stated.
Not only America but the entire world will be watching to see how Kamala Harris proves her confidence and how much she can achieve.
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