Kamala Harris’s campaign was perceived by her enthusiastic supporters, as well as a global audience, as a beacon of hope capable of safeguarding American democracy from what many saw as an existential threat. It was also viewed as a potential indication that U.S. politics might be returning to a more stable and conventional state.
However, with Donald Trump’s decisive victory announced on Wednesday morning, that glimmer of hope dimmed significantly.
Following Joe Biden’s abrupt exit from the Presidential race—a decision provoked by mounting concerns over his underwhelming debate performance and waning mental acuity—Harris and her team launched a remarkably brief campaign by American political standards. Despite receiving star-studded endorsements from the likes of Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, amassing over a billion dollars in fundraising, and tirelessly campaigning across the country with rallies, Harris’s quest for the Oval Office ultimately ended in disappointment.
Here are some pivotal moments, pressing issues, and notable events from the campaign:
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1. The surprise Biden endorsement that started it
When Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the race for the White House, it followed immense pressure from a Democratic establishment that was increasingly anxious over his dismal performance in the initial presidential debate. The inevitability of his decision to end his re-election campaign had been palpable for weeks. What remained uncertain, however, was whether the Democrats would convene a mini-primary to select a new candidate. Biden’s prompt endorsement of Harris swiftly quelled this debate, facilitating a swift alignment within the party behind her candidacy.
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2. Kamala is brat
One of the unexpected early themes of Harris’s campaign emerged from a tweet by British pop sensation Charli XCX, declaring: “kamala IS brat.” This quirky phrase quickly transformed into a viral meme, characterizing a campaign period rich in digital humor and cultural references during the summer months. Charli elaborated on TikTok, describing a “brat” as “just like that girl who is a little messy and likes to party and maybe says some dumb things sometimes, who feels herself, but then also maybe has a breakdown, but kind of parties through it.” While this characterization resonated early in the campaign, as election day loomed, the once ebullient spirit of “brat” began to fade into the background.
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3. A Democratic convention of ‘joy’
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4. A crushing debate performance beat Trump
When Donald Trump arrived to debate Harris, he likely expected a repeat of his previous encounters with Joe Biden. Instead, he quickly learned that he was up against a formidable opponent. Harris, an accomplished prosecutor, exuded confidence and mastery throughout the debate, demonstrating exceptional poise and a combative spirit that kept her in control. Crucially, she knew how to provoke Trump, leading him to lose his temper. Despite the protests from his supporters, Harris emerged as the unmistakable victor—so much so that Trump declined to pursue a rematch.
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5. Keeping a distance from Joe Biden
Harris was handpicked by Biden as his vice-presidential nominee and publicly endorsed as his successor. During Biden’s presidency, he presided over a noteworthy economic recovery from the pandemic’s aftermath. Nonetheless, Harris and her campaign maintained a calculated distance from the current administration. While Harris has continuously shown deep respect for Biden, her reluctance to closely associate with him became evident, particularly following a perceived gaffe when he made racially insensitive comments about Puerto Ricans at a Trump rally. Biden stated: “The only garbage I see floating out there is his [Trump’s] supporters.” Though he quickly clarified his statement, it provided Republicans with a new talking point during a moment of vulnerability for them, illustrating the wisdom behind Harris’s strategy to diplomatically distance her campaign from Biden’s administration.
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6. The Walz pick that soared and then swooped
Selecting Minnesota governor Tim Walz early in her campaign initially created a wave of enthusiasm, especially among progressives. The affable former high school football coach emerged as a strong surrogate for Harris, winning hearts with his Midwestern charm, straightforward demeanor, and sharp wit. However, as the campaign matured and adopted a more conventional approach, Walz significantly diminished in visibility. By the time he faced off against his opponent, JD Vance, his more restrained presence was perceived as ineffective, leaving him widely regarded as having lost the debate.
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7. Harris courted Republicans aggressively
As Harris’s campaign evolved into a more traditional setup, it employed a deliberate strategy focused on appealing to Republican voters who may be disinclined to support Trump. A key element of this initiative was her collaboration with Liz Cheney, the former Wyoming congresswoman known for her strong anti-Trump stance and significant role in the congressional investigation related to the January 6 Capitol attack. This classic Democratic approach, aiming to capture the center while appealing to moderate Republicans instead of energizing the party base, juxtaposed sharply against the more fluid and informal style of the campaign’s inception.
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8. The gender gap exposed as Harris courted women
The Harris campaign hinged on the belief that the revocation of federal abortion protections following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade would galvanize women from diverse backgrounds. This sentiment was particularly pronounced in states where abortion rights were poised to be voted on in the 2024 elections. In the final stretch of the campaign, evidence mounted that women, especially white women, were turning out to vote in significant numbers and leaning towards Harris by substantial margins. Recognizing this shift, her campaign even released advertisements highlighting the privacy of the ballot box, encouraging women to assert their voting autonomy, free from potential scrutiny.
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9. A defining speech in Washington focuses on the threat to democracy
The definitive moment of Harris’s campaign was marked by a powerful speech delivered on the Ellipse in Washington, D.C. This location held significant symbolic weight, as it was from the very spot where Trump had incited the January 6 insurrection against the Capitol in 2021. In her address, Harris emphasized the central theme of her campaign: that Trump poses a stark threat to American democracy, asserting that voting him back into power would reintroduce autocratic tendencies into the White House. Over 75,000 attendees gathered to hear her urgent warning regarding the challenges facing the United States.
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10. A last-gasp appearance on Saturday Night Live
In a bid to recapture her identity as a “joyful warrior,” Harris made a surprise appearance on the popular late-night comedy show, Saturday Night Live. During this light-hearted segment, she appeared opposite actor Maya Rudolph, who humorously impersonated her. Both women donned identical black suits adorned with pearls, exchanging comedic riffs on Harris’s first name. As Rudolph took Harris’s hand to offer an encouraging pep talk, she quipped: “Now Kamala, take my palm-ala. The American people want to stop the chaos …” to which Harris cheekily responded, “And end the drama-la.”
**Interview with Political Analyst Jane Doe on Kamala Harris’s 2024 Campaign**
**Interviewer:** Good afternoon, Jane. Thank you for joining us to discuss Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign in the 2024 election cycle. It seems like after Joe Biden’s withdrawal, she really generated a lot of enthusiasm among her supporters. What were the key factors that contributed to that initial wave of support for Harris?
**Jane Doe:** Thank you for having me! Yes, after Biden’s exit, Harris quickly became the focal point for many Democrats. His prompt endorsement was a pivotal moment that unified the party behind her candidacy almost instantaneously. Her campaign harnessed that momentum, and endorsements from high-profile figures like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift further elevated her profile, tapping into a wave of enthusiasm that felt promising at the outset.
**Interviewer:** That enthusiasm certainly translated into significant fundraising, with reports indicating over a billion dollars raised. However, despite this, the campaign faced various challenges. What do you think led to the eventual disappointment in her pursuit of the Oval Office?
**Jane Doe:** That’s a great question. Despite the early excitement, Harris faced several hurdles throughout her campaign. While her debate performance against Trump showcased her strengths, her inability to maintain that momentum was crucial. As the campaign unfolded, it became apparent that her strategy centered on appealing to moderate Republican voters rather than energizing the Democratic base, which may have compromised her support among key demographics. Additionally, the evolving political landscape—with Trump’s strong appeal—created an uphill battle.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the debate performance against Trump, where Harris reportedly held her ground effectively. How did that impact perceptions of her campaign?
**Jane Doe:** The debate was a turning point for Harris. She showcased her prosecutorial skills and emotional intelligence, which impressed many voters who may have had doubts about her candor or capability. Winning that debate positioned her as a formidable candidate against Trump, garnering her support from those who typically prioritize strength in leadership. However, even that victory wasn’t enough to generate the necessary grassroots support in the long run.
**Interviewer:** It’s interesting to note her strategic decision to distance herself from Biden’s administration. How do you think that affected her overall message and the campaign’s coherence?
**Jane Doe:** Harris’s decision to keep a calculated distance from Biden was undoubtedly strategic. While it allowed her to craft an independent identity, it also sent mixed signals to the electorate about her vision for the future. Although she respected Biden and his accomplishments, her reluctance to closely associate with his administration, particularly amidst controversies, could have potentially alienated some voters who remained loyal to the president.
**Interviewer:** how do you assess the impact of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade on her campaign strategy?
**Jane Doe:** The revocation of abortion protections was undoubtedly a galvanizing issue that her campaign sought to leverage. Harris aimed to mobilize women voters who felt that their rights were under threat, particularly in critical battleground states. The evidence suggesting increased turnout among women leaning toward her campaign illustrated that this approach did resonate. Nevertheless, it’s a complex issue; while it motivated some, it wasn’t enough to overcome other challenges Harris faced.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Jane. It’s fascinating to see how multifaceted and dynamic this candidacy has been amidst so many variables. Your insights are much appreciated.
**Jane Doe:** Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing this with you. The landscape of politics is always changing, and I look forward to seeing how this influences future campaigns.
