At the Democratic National Convention this week, all eyes are on Vice President Kamala Harris as she takes center stage during this pivotal time for her campaign. The convention will serve as a platform for Harris to present herself to the public and to continue building momentum against Donald Trump.
Harris's unique situation arises from her ascent to the candidacy less than a month prior when President Biden opted out of the race. This places her as the first major candidate to bypass the usual rigorous scrutiny of primaries since the 1960s, making this convention especially consequential.
Accompanying her on stage is Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who also stepped onto the national stage two weeks ago when Harris selected him as her running mate. Analysts are watching closely to see how both candidates will navigate this unfamiliar territory.
Lee Miringoff, director of the Marist Institute for Public Opinion, remarked on the rapid shifts the race has taken since Biden's exit. What once seemed stable has turned fluid, with the new contestants introducing various dynamics, particularly as controversial issues like inflation and immigration emerge.
Once the convention reaches its conclusion and Harris delivers her acceptance speech, the real challenges will begin. With notable incendiary topics up for debate, observers will be eager to see how Harris handles them amid the growing pressure for transparency and interview engagements.
The Democrat's outlook following the convention appears cautiously optimistic, especially as Harris has been closing the gap with Trump, particularly within swing states. Historical evidence from past conventions shows mixed results; for example, Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis surged after the 1988 convention but eventually lost the presidency to George H.W. Bush.
Democrats are hopeful, pointing out the upward trend Harris's favorability has experienced since becoming the nominee. Former South Carolina Governor James Hodges emphasized this sentiment, citing her potential for growth compared to Trump, who has struggled to surpass 47% popularity even during Biden's less favorable moments.
Despite these optimistic views, analysts suggest the need to appeal to independent voters remains significant. Charles Franklin, director of the Marquette Law School Poll, highlighted how the recent enthusiasm within the Democratic Party, which increased by 20 points, contrasts with the importance of courting larger swaths of undecided voters.
Harris faces the challenge of overcoming her previous image as one of modern history's least popular vice presidents. With the public viewing her through the lens of her gender, race, and more liberal Senate record, Republican attacks label her as a far-left elitist from California.
Republicans have seized on this narrative, presenting Harris as part of the long-standing stereotype of California leadership failures. Kambiz Akhavan from the University of Southern California described the left's perceptions of her as tied to biases stemming from her background and viewpoints.
One divisive issue looming over the convention involves the Democratic Party's stance on Israel amid recent conflicts. An influential group of Democrats is calling for criticism of Israel’s actions against Hamas, which pits them against traditional support from the Jewish community.
California Democratic Chairman Rusty Hicks acknowledged the potential for Harris to skillfully navigate these conversations during the convention. Still, he conceded dissenting views will likely surface, with protests anticipated outside the convention.
Polls suggest the general public currently ranks the war as one of their least pressing concerns, with economic issues topping the list. Franklin noted, even as some passionately support critiques of Israel, overall voter priorities align with the economy and immigration.
Meanwhile, as Republicans like Trump criticize the Biden administration’s overall handling of issues like crime and inflation, Democrats cite improvements made under Harris’s watch. Some indicators show inflation and crime rates have decreased, but it remains to be seen how this will resonate with voters heading toward the election.
With Harris and Walz embodying both light-hearted banter and serious commentary, they will have to decide which tone to adopt for their convention speeches. Deploying humor and uplifting messages has become part of their strategy, but the balancing act will be key as they move forward.
Emerson College's Spencer Kimball pointed out how quickly early leads can vanish, adding uncertainty to Harris's current standing. The looming debates set for next month also hold potential to sway public opinion as Harris will face Trump on stage.
Harris's current lack of engagement with the press has caused some to raise eyebrows, but prominent strategists downplayed the importance of immediate press interaction. David Axelrod voiced his belief it’s beneficial for Harris to focus on rallying her supporters rather than holding press conferences, especially as she crafts momentum.
Empowering public appearances and solidifying legendary speeches appear to be the immediate priorities amid convention activities. Axelrod also hinted at the likelihood for Harris to engage with the media post-convention, ensuring the narrative maintains its freshness.
James Carville echoed this sentiment, citing Harris's busy schedule as justification for her media absences. He argued, or rather joked, against digging too deep when her opponent’s gaffes draw more scrutiny than her campaign tactics.
With the Democratic National Convention just getting underway, the stakes are high for both Harris and her party as they prepare for the final stretch leading to Election Day. The campaign provides Harris with her biggest platform yet to connect with Americans and potentially reshape her public image as she aims for the highest office.
Harris’s performance will be pivotal, as analysts continually assess her path forward amid shifting voter sentiments and dynamic political landscapes. The next few days of the convention will not only test her leadership and resolve but also define the narrative for the following months leading up to the presidential election.
