It was with enormous pressure that last night Kamala Harris stepped out onto the stage during the last night of the Democratic convention. The task was to show an audience of many millions why she should become the 47th president of the United States.
Harris described his life and what the road to the political top looked like. That her mother’s values had had a great influence – and how a friend who was abused motivated her to become a prosecutor. It was a speech that lacked surprises, but lived up to expectations.
Instead, it was the Democrats’ major realignment that stood out when the convention was to be summed up.
Harris’ nomination journey has gone at record speed, showing how quickly things can swing in American politics.
Sounds significantly different in the party – today
A couple of months ago, most people thought that the election would be between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Harris was then even seen as a worse option than the president. Even when Biden dropped out, it was not certain that Harris would be let forward by his party colleagues. Several instead advocated a mini-primary election.
That was not the case and today it sounds significantly different in large parts of the party. The convention in Chicago has shown that most Democrats have lined up behind the candidate.
Optimism and enthusiasm can quickly wear off, however.
During Friday, the independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is expected to announce that he is ending his campaign to support Trump instead. The black sheep of the Kennedy clan never had a chance to win the election. But he has gained more supporters than any other independent candidate has managed in a very long time. In some key states, support has been so great that he is seen as a risk factor by both Republicans and Democrats.
Kennedy’s supporters are believed to go to Trump instead – which could give the Republican a slight edge.
Could be a setback for Harris
If that happens, it will be a setback for Harris. However, it does not have to mean more than a temporary setback. A lot can happen in the roughly ten weeks that remain until election day. For example, many are waiting to see how the first debate against Trump on September 10 will end. Expectations are already sky high.
When the sea of balloons fell on Kamala Harris during the conclusion of the convention last night, the first big trial was over.
It’s almost time for the next one.
Today 08:32