U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris rallied more than 6,000 Black women in Indianapolis on Wednesday, calling for their support to rejuvenate the Democratic presidential campaign. Harris’s appeal comes ahead of former President Donald Trump’s return to the campaign trail, as the political landscape shifts dramatically following President Joe Biden’s abrupt withdrawal from the 2024 race.
Harris, who made history as the first Black and Asian American Vice President, is now positioned as the Democratic candidate for the upcoming November 5 election. Biden, at 81, exited the race on Sunday after facing significant internal Democratic opposition regarding his ability to serve another term. This move has positioned Harris to potentially become the first female president of the United States, a prospect that has energized the Democratic base.
At the rally hosted by the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, an organization founded at Howard University where Harris studied, the Vice President urged attendees to mobilize and support her campaign.”I thank you. And now, in this moment, our nation needs your leadership once again, Harris stated, emphasizing the crucial role of Black women in driving voter turnout.
Harris’s campaign is preparing for a competitive race. Recent public opinion polls show a tight contest between her and Trump. A Reuters/Ipsos poll indicates Harris holds a slim two-point lead over Trump, 44% to 42%, while a CNN/SSRS poll shows Trump leading Harris by three points, 49% to 46%. Both polls fall within their respective margins of error, reflecting a highly contested election.
In response to Biden’s exit, Trump is set to hold his first rally in North Carolina on Wednesday. Trump’s campaign has asserted that Harris’s candidacy is a continuation of Biden’s policies, particularly on economic and immigration issues. Trump’s recent statements have targeted Harris, accusing her of being responsible for high migrant flows and labeling her as a “radical left” figure.
Biden Returned To Washington
Biden, returning to Washington after a COVID-19 isolation, is scheduled to address the nation from the Oval Office on Wednesday evening to explain his withdrawal from the race. The announcement follows a challenging debate performance in June, which raised doubts about his ability to win the election or serve another term.
Trump has also engaged in a media push, holding a conference call to underscore his campaign’s stance on immigration and to criticize Harris’s record. Despite Trump’s aggressive rhetoric, Harris has not advocated for the removal of border controls.
Harris’s campaign chair, Jen O’Malley Dillon, outlined a strategic focus on swing states such as Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona, and Nevada. This expanded focus marks a shift from the previous emphasis on the Midwest.
Democrats will formally nominate their new ticket at the party convention in Chicago next month, with an August 7 virtual vote. North Carolina’s Democratic Governor, Roy Cooper, is considered a leading candidate for Harris’s running mate.
Since Biden’s exit, the Harris campaign has reportedly raised $126 million, with 64% of donors making their first contribution to the 2024 campaign.
