CHICAGO (WSN) — This week, the Democrats on the grand stage of the convention hall repeatedly predicted that Kamala Harris would triumph over Donald Trump, portraying her as a historic figure and a beacon of hope, even calling her “the president of joy.”
Yet, amidst the enthusiasm, former first lady Michelle Obama delivered a sobering reminder: “No matter how good we feel tonight or tomorrow or the next day, this is going to be an uphill battle.”
Although her caution was overshadowed by the excitement in the packed 17,000-seat arena in downtown Chicago, the reality for Harris is that the real challenge is just beginning as activists, operatives, and party leaders disperse across the country.
More than a month after President Joe Biden endorsed her and stepped aside, Harris has yet to present a detailed plan for addressing major national issues such as immigration, crime, and climate change. She has also not yet given a comprehensive media interview to address concerns about her policy shifts, leadership style, or the emphasis on race and gender in her campaign.
John Anzalone, a pollster for the last three Democratic presidential nominees, noted, “We can’t ignore it. She’s a Black woman. The bar will be set higher for everything,” including any potential mistakes.
Harris’ allies acknowledge that she remains relatively undefined in the public eye after spending much of the past four years in Biden’s shadow. This lack of definition presents both opportunities and risks.
David Axelrod, former chief strategist for President Barack Obama, remarked, “The downside of being a vice president is that people don’t know who you are. The upside is that people don’t know who you are.”
With just over two weeks until a potential pivotal presidential debate against Trump on September 10, Harris faces the challenge of preparing for what could be a critical moment in the campaign. The first presidential debate in the previous election cycle led to Biden’s withdrawal, underscoring the importance of this upcoming debate.
Currently, Harris’ team is focused on maintaining the positive momentum and growing campaign contributions rather than rolling out a comprehensive policy platform or participating in media interviews that might disrupt the current favorable impression.
During the convention, Harris’ advisors framed her policy agenda as an extension of Biden’s achievements, particularly in economic areas, despite her shift away from previous positions like opposition to fracking and support for Medicare for All.
Senior campaign policy adviser Brian Nelson stated, “She’s committed to leading pragmatic, common-sense policies aimed at improving Americans’ lives.”
Trump’s campaign, meanwhile, has adopted a broad strategy against Harris, attacking her on various fronts including her racial identity, her laugh, her vice-presidential record, and her previous progressive stances.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro commented on Trump’s approach, noting, “He’ll find a way to deliver a political punch. Harris has shown she can handle criticism and keep moving forward, which is a crucial political trait.”
As the campaign heats up, the focus will increasingly be on Harris, with the so-called “Harris honeymoon” potentially ending soon.
Sarah Longwell of Republican Voters Against Trump suggested that the key issue isn’t whether voters will support a Black woman but whether they will vote for Kamala Harris with her specific mix of strengths and challenges. She pointed out that Harris might struggle with swing voters due to perceptions of being too progressive.
Polling shows that public opinion of Harris has shifted significantly since Biden’s endorsement. A June AP-NORC poll had 39% of Americans viewing her favorably, while an August poll saw that figure rise to 48%, with 27% having a “very” favorable opinion.
This shift indicates that Harris’ public perception could continue to evolve as more information becomes available. It also suggests that her current momentum might reflect relief among Democrats over Biden’s withdrawal rather than her own campaign achievements.
Young Democrats of America president Quentin Wathum-Ocama expressed enthusiasm for Harris but also a desire for more details on her policies, particularly in areas like education.
Randi Weingarten of the American Federation of Teachers, while endorsing Harris, pointed out that past Democratic campaigns with extensive policy details did not always resonate with voters, emphasizing the importance of values over specifics.
Harris has so far released limited policy details, including plans for her first 100 days involving price control measures, tax credits, housing initiatives, and prescription drug cost reductions.
Trump’s campaign has criticized Harris for the lack of specifics and her avoidance of media interviews, focusing on her momentum and policy ambiguity.
With early voting starting in Pennsylvania on September 16 and other key states following suit, both campaigns are preparing for a rapid and intense final stretch. Trump’s team is set to spend over $120 million on TV ads, while Democrats have reserved more than $270 million for their advertising efforts.
Michelle Obama warned that the road to Election Day will be challenging, urging Democrats to stay focused and not be discouraged by setbacks. She emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to support Harris and defeat Trump.
