Kamala Harris Ascends to Democratic Front-runner Following Biden’s Exit
In a dramatic turn of events, Vice President Kamala Harris has emerged as the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination in the 2024 presidential race after President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the campaign. With Biden’s endorsement, Harris inherits a significant advantage, but faces several hurdles as she seeks to secure the nomination and challenge Donald Trump.
Key Takeaways:
- Biden’s endorsement gives Harris a strong leg up in the race for the Democratic nomination.
- Harris will have to secure the necessary delegates to officially become the nominee, with a virtual roll call set for early August.
- Harris is likely to inherit Biden’s campaign war chest, raising questions about how the funds will be transferred before a formal nomination.
- Support for Harris among Biden’s allies is not guaranteed, with some notable figures holding back from endorsing her.
- Harris faces the challenge of mobilizing voters and securing the Democratic base to face Trump in the general election.
A Path to the Top of the Ticket
Biden’s endorsement marks a significant milestone for Harris, paving the way for a historic nomination. At 59 years old, Harris offers a younger alternative to the 80-year-old Biden, addressing concerns about his age and fitness for the presidency.
"Democrats will rally around her. I’m sure they will," said Carol Hamilton, a member of Biden’s campaign finance committee. "You can’t get a much better resume than hers running for president."
Harris’s background as the daughter of immigrants from India and Jamaica positions her as a symbol of diversity and inclusion, representing a potential shift in the electorate’s preferences. She would become the first Black woman and individual of South Asian descent to secure the nomination of a major party.
However, the road ahead is not without roadblocks.
The Vice Presidential Puzzle
One of the immediate challenges for Harris is choosing a running mate. Several names have been floated, including:
- Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro
- Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear
- Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly
- North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper
- Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker
- Transportation Sec. Pete Buttigieg
- Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
The selection of a running mate will be crucial for appealing to specific demographic groups and solidifying support across the Democratic base. It will also be a significant test of Harris’s ability to build a cohesive and effective campaign team.
A Race for Delegates
Even with Biden’s backing, Harris must still secure the necessary number of delegates to secure the Democratic nomination. The process will begin with a virtual roll call in early August, leading up to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, which starts on August 19th.
According to the DNC’s rules, a candidate requires a majority of delegates to win the nomination. If no candidate achieves a majority, over 700 superdelegates will cast their own votes, leading to a series of rounds until a clear winner emerges.
Inheriting the War Chest
Should Harris become the official Democratic nominee, she is likely to inherit Biden’s campaign war chest of donations. However, legal questions surround the transfer of those funds, with some election lawyers debating whether the money can be transferred before the nomination is officially granted.
There’s a consensus among most election lawyers that Harris can "just take over" Biden’s campaign funds. However, some dissenters argue that the full amount can’t be accessed until the nomination is formalized.
In the event that Harris does not win the nomination, the scenarios become more complex. The campaign could convert the funds into a political action committee, or issue refunds to donors who might then redirect their contributions to another candidate.
Rallying the Troops
While Biden’s endorsement gives Harris a crucial starting point, she faces the challenge of securing the support of his allies. Some of Biden’s close confidants like South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn, former President Bill Clinton, and former Secretary of State Hilary Clinton have already thrown their weight behind Harris.
However, some notable figures, including former President Barack Obama and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have expressed support for Biden without explicitly endorsing Harris. This lack of full-fledged endorsements raises questions about the extent of unity within the Democratic party and potential fractures that could hinder Harris’s campaign.
There is optimistic sentiment from figures like Hamilton, who believes that the fundraising support for Harris will not be an issue. "I think everyone who supported the President supports Kamala and will step up to the plate," she says.
The Road to November
Harris faces a daunting task ahead. In addition to securing the nomination, she will need to unite the Democratic party, appeal to a broad base of voters, and effectively challenge Trump in the general election. The coming months will be crucial for Harris as she sets her sights on becoming the first female president of the United States.
