Kamala Harris Secures Democratic Nomination as 2024 Presidential Race Heats Up
- Lethiwe Nkosi
- Jul 23, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 29, 2024
US Vice President Kamala Harris has made a decisive move in the 2024 presidential race by securing enough delegate support to clinch the Democratic nomination. Her achievement comes amid a turbulent political climate, following President Joe Biden's unexpected withdrawal from the race and an intense campaign against Republican nominee Donald Trump.
Kamala Harris’s road to securing the Democratic nomination has been marked by a swift consolidation of support. After President Joe Biden’s withdrawal on Sunday, the future of the delegates initially pledged to him became uncertain. However, Harris’s campaign rapidly gained momentum, with many of these delegates pivoting to support her.
In a statement celebrating her victory, Harris expressed her pride in securing the necessary delegate support. “Tonight, I am proud to have secured the broad support needed to become our party's nominee,” she said. Harris surpassed the required threshold of 1,976 delegates out of nearly 4,000, positioning herself as the Democratic party’s presumptive nominee.
Harris’s Campaign and Strategy
Harris’s rise to the forefront of the Democratic nomination race has been driven by several key factors:
Support from Democratic Heavyweights: Harris has garnered backing from influential figures within the party, including President Biden himself. This endorsement, combined with significant financial support from donors, has bolstered her campaign.
Financial Backing: Following Biden’s exit, Harris’s campaign received a record-breaking $81 million in donations within 24 hours. This massive influx of funds underscores the strong financial support behind her candidacy and has been described as the largest one-day sum in presidential history.
Strategic Focus: Harris has emphasized critical issues such as abortion rights, particularly in response to Trump’s praise for the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the federal right to abortion. Her campaign strategy includes a direct confrontation with Trump, focusing on her experience as a prosecutor and her commitment to key Democratic values.
Biden’s Withdrawal and Endorsement
Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the race was influenced by mounting concerns about his age and health. During his brief public remarks, Biden described his withdrawal as “the right thing to do” and expressed strong support for Harris, praising her as “the best” candidate to lead the party. Biden’s endorsement of Harris has been a crucial factor in her securing the nomination. His support, combined with the shifting delegate dynamics, has solidified her position as the Democratic candidate for the 2024 election.
Harris’s successful nomination has dramatically altered the landscape of the 2024 presidential race. Her candidacy presents a historic opportunity to elect the first female president of the United States. This development has injected new energy into the Democratic campaign, potentially unifying the party and galvanizing support.
The shift from Biden to Harris has also posed significant challenges for Donald Trump, who now faces a formidable opponent in the form of a former prosecutor and a highly qualified candidate. Trump’s strategy, which had focused on attacking Biden’s age and health, will need to be reevaluated in light of Harris’s nomination.
As the 2024 election approaches, Kamala Harris will continue to campaign vigorously, with upcoming rallies and public appearances planned. She is set to hold a rally in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his visit to Washington. These events will be key in bolstering her support and addressing critical issues on the national stage.
Harris’s campaign also faces the challenge of addressing Trump’s rhetoric and presenting a compelling vision for the future. Her leadership, policies, and campaign strategy will play a crucial role in shaping the direction of the upcoming election.