When Kamala Harris takes the spotlight at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this week as the party’s presidential nominee, she will stand before an audience that once doubted her. At 59, Ms. Harris has confronted skepticism from various factions within her party regarding her capability to ascend to America’s highest political office, even facing criticism from President Joe Biden, her current vice president.
Since taking over as Democratic nominee in mid-July, Ms. Harris has experienced a surge of enthusiasm marked by impressive polling numbers, substantial fundraising, and large crowds at rallies nationwide. This revitalized energy was unexpected, especially following her rocky start in politics.
After a short-lived presidential campaign in 2019, Ms. Harris began her vice presidency under challenging circumstances, characterized by difficulties in interviews, high staff turnover, and lackluster approval ratings. Throughout her tenure in the White House, she struggled to connect with American voters.
However, supporters assert that Ms. Harris has significantly refined her political acumen over the years, forged loyal alliances within the party, and established her credibility on pivotal issues like abortion rights, energizing the Democratic base. Now, as she formally accepts the nomination on Thursday, she faces the challenge of reintroducing herself to the nation with less than 80 days until a potentially historic election where she could become the first female president.
Yet, Ms. Harris must also demonstrate her capacity to unite a party that has often viewed her leadership with skepticism, especially in the wake of divisions surrounding the Israel and Gaza conflict. Crucially, she seeks to dispel lingering doubts among Democrats regarding her ability to mount a successful campaign against former President Donald Trump in a competitive race.
Before rising to national prominence, Ms. Harris built a reputation as a prominent figure within the Democratic Party, epitomized by her endorsement from President Barack Obama during her 2010 attorney general campaign in California. Nevertheless, her career has not been without scrutiny; as a prosecutor, she faced backlash for her handling of the death penalty, and during her time as attorney general, she upheld the state’s death penalty despite her opposition.
Elected to the U.S. Senate in 2016, she gained national attention for her assertive questioning during Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation hearings. Her ambitious nature mirrored that of her predecessor Obama, and within her first term, she launched a presidential campaign that garnered significant attention yet faltered quickly, failing to distinguish herself in a crowded Democratic field.
Lack of clarity in her political identity and challenges in standing out ultimately hindered her initial bid. After a notable moment in June 2019, where she confronted Mr. Biden over his past comments on desegregation, her campaign aimed to regain momentum but succumbed to infighting and unclear messaging.
Despite early setbacks, Mr. Biden unexpectedly chose Ms. Harris as his running mate, making her the first woman of color nominated for the role. During her vice presidency, she struggled with public perception and faced missteps, notably during a trip to Central America about immigration, where her comments drew criticism from both sides of the political spectrum.
Over time, as Ms. Harris navigated significant domestic and international issues, she began to find her footing. The Supreme Court’s controversial decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022 marked a pivotal moment, as Ms. Harris assumed a leading role on abortion rights, a point that resonated with voters and bolstered Democratic support during the midterm elections.
As she moves forward, Ms. Harris aims to outline a comprehensive policy agenda, having recently proposed economic measures including tax cuts for families and initiatives to lower drug prices. Although some Republicans accuse her of avoiding scrutiny, her campaign team is strategically maintaining momentum.
Recent polling indicates that Ms. Harris has gained ground against Trump, leading or tying in critical battleground states. With her speech at the Democratic convention representing a defining moment in her political career, Ms. Harris aims to present her personal vision for America while addressing pivotal issues like crime and the economy.
However, she must deftly navigate the complex landscape of public opinion on controversial matters, particularly the ongoing situation in Gaza, while solidifying her credibility among the party’s base. Her upcoming address is viewed as an opportunity to consolidate support and outline her vision, a step crucial to ensuring her viability as a candidate in a fractured political climate.
