Vice President Kamala Harris has emerged as the frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination, following President Joe Biden’s surprise withdrawal from the 2024 race. Harris has quickly consolidated support within the party, securing endorsements from prominent Democrats, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and several governors.In a remarkable display of grassroots enthusiasm, Harris’s campaign raised a record-breaking $81 million in the first 24 hours after Biden’s endorsement. This fundraising haul, described by campaign spokesperson Kevin Munoz as ‘the biggest fundraising day of the 2024 cycle,’ came from approximately 880,000 donors, with 60% making their first donation for the 2024 election.Harris has already won the backing of more than two-thirds of the Democratic delegates needed to secure the nomination. In her first campaign rally, she emphasized her experience as a prosecutor and pledged to protect abortion rights, strengthen the middle class, and continue Biden’s legacy.The Vice President has framed her candidacy as a continuation of Biden’s policies while also highlighting her own priorities. ‘Joe Biden’s legacy over the past three years is unparalleled in modern history,’ Harris stated, adding, ‘I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party — and our nation — to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme agenda’.However, Harris faces challenges as she moves forward. The Republican party has already begun criticizing her performance as Vice President and her handling of immigration policy. Additionally, there are lingering concerns within the Democratic party about her electability against Trump in the general election.As the campaign progresses, Harris will need to address these concerns while continuing to build on her initial momentum. The coming weeks will be crucial as she works to solidify her position as the presumptive Democratic nominee and prepare for what promises to be a highly contentious 2024 presidential election.
Key points
- Kamala Harris raised a record $81 million in the first 24 hours of her campaign.
- Harris has secured endorsements from key Democratic leaders and more than two-thirds of the delegates needed for nomination.
- Harris is framing her candidacy as a continuation of Biden’s policies while emphasizing her own priorities.
- The Republican party has begun criticizing Harris’s record as Vice President.
