Two months ago, Vice President Harris faced skepticism, especially after President Biden's shaky debate performance against former President Trump left Democrats anxious about the upcoming election. Harris seemed like the natural choice to replace Biden due to his age, yet her own tenure as vice president had been less than stellar. Many Democrats even considered whether an open convention to select a new candidate would be the best course.
As one Democratic fundraiser noted, "Just a month ago, few believed Harris could perform well." Back then, the consensus was that at least she was younger and coherent, unlike Biden.
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However, Harris has since overcome much of the doubt surrounding her, reinvigorating the Democratic Party and closing the polling gap with Trump, sometimes even pulling ahead. The mood now is drastically different from July when Democrats were pessimistic about Biden's chances and disillusioned by the idea of a rematch between two aging white men. Harris is capitalizing on this desire for change, gaining momentum despite being the closest thing to an incumbent against Trump.
Even her former aides are surprised by the support she’s gained. Jamal Simmons, who previously served as Harris’s communications director, expressed surprise at the widespread enthusiasm, noting the large turnouts and passionate backing from groups like Black Women for Harris. Some Democrats believe that Harris’s rise is partly driven by relief after Biden's performance, which left many thinking Trump's victory was inevitable.
Fernand Amandi, a Democratic strategist, likened Harris’s campaign to a new appreciation for life after a near-death experience. He emphasized that Harris not only exceeded expectations but performed exceptionally well during the last month.
Despite her momentum, Republicans are working to cut her rise short. They are attempting to tie her to Biden’s policies, particularly on the economy and border issues. Additionally, Harris will have to navigate delicate matters within her own party, such as the conflict in Gaza. Critics also accuse her of avoiding press interviews and dodging tough questions.
Up to this point, Harris has avoided any major media scrutiny, something her team acknowledges, knowing they are in a shorter, more fast-paced election cycle. In the aftermath of Biden's debate, Harris’s calm and reassuring appearance on CNN soothed the party’s nerves and helped solidify her newfound momentum.
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