Democratic Unity and the Rise of Kamala Harris
“We feel recharged,” said a retired teacher from Upper Marlboro as they sat midway up the filling bleachers before the event began. “I am hopeful, really hopeful. And we really feel like she can win.”
The weeks of infighting regarding whether President Biden, at 81, should step aside as the nominee are over. Democrats have quickly coalesced around Kamala Harris, 59, who they are set to enthusiastically coronate in Chicago as the party’s standard-bearer in its desperate battle against Trump.
Shifting Dynamics in Party Support
“It’s the difference between a wedding and a funeral,” forecasted Matt Bennett, cofounder of the center-left think tank Third Way, regarding the mood expected at the upcoming Democratic National Convention.
Bennett noted, “No one — literally no one — outside of the inner circle around Biden believed that he could come back after the debate, and so we were headed to Chicago to pay our respects to a guy we love and admire but had no faith could win. Now we’re united behind someone we believe can — and if things go well, will — win.”
In contrast, Republicans are also showcasing a form of unity, albeit under a polarizing leader. They remain solidly behind Trump, especially after he survived an assassination attempt last month. However, this unity has its limits, as evidenced by the absence of former President George W. Bush at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, along with Mitt Romney, the last GOP presidential nominee before Trump, who has declared he will not vote for Trump this year.
High-Profile Support for Harris
Democratic former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton are set to take high-profile speaking roles in Chicago this week, alongside 2016 nominee Hillary Clinton. Meanwhile, Jimmy Carter, at 99, is too frail to attend but hopes to see Harris defeat Trump in November.
Despite ongoing tensions with some progressive opponents of the war in Gaza, Democrats have expressed a level of unity behind Harris that they haven’t experienced since the Obama era. “I’ve never seen anything like this,” remarked Alan D. Solomont, a former US ambassador and longtime Democratic fundraiser. He noted that the energy created during Biden’s indecision about his candidacy led to an unexpected outpouring of support for Harris.
Fundraising and Polling Surge
Solomont indicated that fundraising efforts have significantly improved since Harris took the lead. “I started calling around to some major donors, and it was amazing what people were saying and the amounts of money they were willing to invest,” he explained, revealing that many donors were no longer willing to support Biden, believing he could not win.
Harris has surged to a narrow lead in nationwide polls and in some battleground states, marking a stunning turnaround since Republicans left Milwaukee brimming with confidence. “The delegates, and really the party itself, I think were feeling a real sense of optimism and almost a sense that nothing could stand in our way,” stated Amy Carnevale, chair of the Massachusetts Republican Party.
Enthusiasm and Fear of Trump
A recent Monmouth University Poll showed that Democrats are now more firmly behind their nominee than Republicans. About 92 percent of Democratic voters expressed enthusiasm for Harris, compared to 84 percent of Republicans for Trump. This enthusiasm is a significant increase from the 62 percent support Biden had in February.
“There’s an unbounded enthusiasm for Harris,” said Representative Richard Neal, emphasizing her ability to broaden her coalition. The lack of a divisive primary process has also benefited Harris, as she has already secured the nomination after a pre-convention virtual vote.
Implications for the Future
The current political landscape suggests that the Democratic Party’s rapid unification behind Harris could signal a shift in voter engagement strategies. As the party rallies around a candidate who embodies a new direction, it may inspire a broader coalition that includes independents and undecided voters.
The fear of a Trump victory is a powerful motivator for Democratic unity. Many supporters are driven not only by enthusiasm for Harris but also by a profound concern about the implications of a second Trump presidency. This duality of motivation may lead to increased voter turnout as Democrats mobilize their base while appealing to moderate voters seeking stability.
As the election approaches, the emphasis on unity and shared goals within the Democratic Party could reshape campaign strategies across the board. Candidates may increasingly focus on collaborative efforts and collective messaging to galvanize support, contrasting sharply with the more fragmented approach seen in previous elections.
In conclusion, the dynamics within the Democratic Party, characterized by a newfound enthusiasm for Kamala Harris and a collective fear of Trump, may redefine the electoral landscape. As the party seeks to maintain this momentum, it is essential to consider the implications of these trends for future elections and the broader political discourse.
