After President Joe Biden announced he would not seek re-election in 2024, Vice President Kamala Harris has taken over as the face of the Democratic Party. As a former prosecutor, senator, and failed presidential candidate in 2020, she now leads the Biden campaign and is on track to secure the Democratic nomination for president at their National Convention next month.
Polls show that Trump currently has a slight lead over Harris, but within the margin of error. Harris has generated significant excitement as the first woman, black, and South Asian vice president. Her campaign raised $81 million within 24 hours of Biden’s announcement, reflecting strong support. At 59 years old, she also addresses concerns about age and cognitive acuity compared to Trump, who is 78.
Harris has been at the forefront of defending reproductive rights since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, making this a strong campaign issue for Democrats. However, she faces criticism for her low favorability ratings and past struggles with her presidential campaign. Additionally, her candidacy raises questions about whether America is ready to elect a black woman as president, which could be an obstacle on the road to the presidency.
While party unity, her unique candidacy, and Trump’s vulnerabilities bolster her path to the presidency, Harris’ low favorability ratings, past campaign struggles, potential voter biases, and association with immigration challenges pose significant obstacles. At this point, Trump appears to have the clear edge in the upcoming election.