The US presidential election entered a crucial stage on July 27, 2024 with Vice President Kamala Harris officially declaring her candidacy by signing the official forms. In a post on social media site X (formerly Twitter), she said, “Today, I signed the forms officially declaring my candidacy for President of the United States… I will work hard to earn every vote. And in November, our people-powered campaign will win.”
The announcement, though a formality, marked a significant moment in the 2024 electoral landscape. The 59-year-old is the first black person of south Asian descent to be the potential President of arguably the most powerful country in the world. Her dramatic entry came after US President Joe Biden decided to pull out of the race for the top post owing to intense pressure from his Democratic Party. While bowing out of the race, reportedly due to his advanced age and health issues, Biden said he was endorsing Harris as his pick for President.
The US presidential election will be held on November 5, 2024. While Biden’s exit was deemed too late, Harris quickly collected herself and gathered pace in the chaotic presidential race. Her entry was bolstered by significant endorsements, including from former US president Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama. The Obamas’ endorsement is notable because Michelle was rumoured to be lobbying to get herself nominated as the Democratic presidential candidate.
Now, the question is: will Harris stop the winning streak of her formidable opponent Donald Trump, the Republican Party’s presidential nominee? It is astonishing how quickly Harris transformed from an unlikely candidate to attracting wider support within just a few days.
Harris’s team believes her focus on connecting with people from diverse backgrounds would work in her favour. “She always fights for the people – from her barrier-breaking time as District Attorney of San Francisco and Attorney General of California to proudly serving as a United States Senator and the Vice President,” reads her profile on the White House website.
If Kamala Harris wins, she will make history on multiple fronts. One, the US has never had a woman president. Two, in US history, only one vice president has ever ascended to the presidency — George H.W. Bush — in 1989. Also, Harris’s identity as a non-white South Asian is expected to work in her favour. However, all these points also mean that Harris’ road to the White House would be very challenging.
Harris is still to get the Democratic Party’s official nomination. With the Obamas also backing her, and no other Democrat entering the race so far, her nomination is a given.
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