In a historic moment for American politics, Vice President Kamala Harris has secured the necessary delegate votes to become the Democratic Party's nominee for the 2024 presidential election. This achievement marks a significant milestone, as Harris becomes the first woman of color to lead a major US political party's ticket in a presidential race. The announcement came from Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison, who confirmed that Harris had crossed the threshold of delegate votes required to clinch the nomination.
DNC Chair Jaime Harrison expounded I am so proud to confirm that Vice President Harris has earned more than a majority of votes from all convention delegates, and will be the nominee of the Democratic Party following the close of voting on Monday.
The virtual roll call process, which began just a day before the announcement, is set to formally conclude on Monday. However, the early confirmation of Harris's nomination underscores the strong support she has garnered within the party. Harris expressed her gratitude and commitment to the campaign, stating, I am honored to be the Democratic nominee for President of the United States. I will officially accept the nomination next week. She emphasized that her campaign is about uniting people in their love for the country and fighting for its best ideals.
Harris's path to the nomination was cleared following President Joe Biden's unexpected decision to end his re-election campaign after a poor debate performance against Republican nominee Donald Trump. The vice president's campaign has since seen a surge in support, both in terms of poll numbers and fundraising. In July alone, the Harris campaign reported raising an impressive $310 million, with more than $200 million coming in the week following Biden's withdrawal from the race.
The financial backing for Harris's campaign is particularly noteworthy, with two-thirds of July's donations coming from first-time donors. This influx of new supporters signals a growing enthusiasm for Harris's candidacy and potentially broadens her base as she heads into the general election. The campaign's fundraising success outpaces that of her Republican rival, Donald Trump, who reported raising $138.7 million in the same month.
As Harris secures the nomination, attention is now turning to her choice of running mate. The selection of a vice-presidential candidate could prove crucial in swaying voters in key battleground states. Several names have been floated as potential picks, including Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. Political analysts suggest that Harris will likely choose a candidate who can complement her strengths and appeal to a broad spectrum of voters.
The Democratic National Committee has wasted no time in launching its general election strategy, rolling out a new advertising campaign that challenges Trump's willingness to debate Harris. The ads, which are being prominently displayed in local newspapers in states where Trump is campaigning, question whether the former president's reluctance to commit to debates stems from his controversial stance on abortion rights. This aggressive approach signals the DNC's intention to put Trump on the defensive from the outset of the general election campaign.
As the race for the White House heats up, both campaigns are gearing up for what promises to be a fiercely contested election. Recent polls suggest a tight race between Harris and Trump, with several swing states expected to play a decisive role in determining the outcome. With her historic nomination secured, Harris now faces the challenge of uniting the Democratic Party and appealing to independent voters as she makes her case to lead the nation. The coming months will undoubtedly see intense campaigning, debates, and policy discussions as both candidates vie for the presidency in what is shaping up to be one of the most consequential elections in recent American history.
