CHICAGO — Vice President Kamala Harris’ rapid rise to the top of the ballot is giving new momentum to the party’s loyalists as the Democratic National Convention begins Monday in Chicago after a tumultuous month for the party.
The theme of the four-day convention is “For the People, For Our Future.” Observers say it will be a key moment for Democrats to unite the party and build on the enthusiasm behind Harris’ campaign.
On Monday evening, President Joe Biden is expected to deliver a speech detailing the accomplishments of his administration and outlining how a Harris administration will continue that work.
Participant Aphrodite McCarthy of Mississippi said Biden has been a good president, but it has been difficult to build momentum in his campaign because there were serious doubts about his victory.
“We were all very concerned,” said McCarthy, who was wearing a Wonder Woman costume.
“It just felt like we needed more energy.”
When Harris was confirmed as the nominee, McCarthy said, “it was like broad daylight again.”
It was only a few weeks ago that Biden withdrew from the presidential race amid growing criticism about his age and mental health, concerns that were exacerbated by a disastrous debate with his Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump.
Democrats quickly threw their support behind the vice president and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who will symbolically accept the nomination after a ceremonial vote during the party convention.
Kelly Jacobs has attended five other Democratic conventions and has become known for wearing creative outfits featuring the candidates. Wearing a long dress by Harris and Taylor Swift, Jacobs jumped up and down when asked about the changed atmosphere among Democrats since Harris topped the ticket.
“Everything is different. People are excited,” Jacobs said.
Other speakers this week include former President Barack Obama, former First Lady Michelle Obama, former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
“Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are fighting for the American people and the future of America – Donald Trump is only fighting for himself,” party chairman Minyon Moore said in a press release on Sunday.
Experts say it is unlikely that the speeches will go into detail about the foreign policy approach of a possible Harris administration.
Observers expect Harris to follow Biden’s path with regard to relations between the country and Canada.
Kirsten Hillman, Canada’s ambassador to the United States, and Liberal MP John McKay, co-chair of the Canada-US Interparliamentary Group, will attend the convention. Hillman also attended the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last month.
Hillman has been working with other members of Ottawa’s Team Canada and provincial politicians to reach out to their American counterparts from both parties ahead of the November election.
Polls remain close, but Democrats have been riding a wave of enthusiasm since Harris’ rise to power. In key swing states like Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, polls have shifted slightly in their favor.
Harris is now virtually tied with Trump in the presidential race, according to a Pew Research Center poll released last week. Among her supporters, 62 percent said they would fully support her. A month ago, only 43 percent said Biden would.
“It’s remarkable the extent to which this change has had an impact,” says Marc Trussler, the director of data science in the University of Pennsylvania’s Program in Public Opinion and Election Studies and a Canadian.
It will be crucial for Harris to continue to find ways to keep the broad coalition of Democratic voters happy by focusing on what they have in common: a desire for reproductive freedom and a dislike of Trump, Trussler said.
There are many factors that could divide the party and deter voters from voting in November. The most explosive factor is the war in Gaza.
On Monday, thousands of activists are expected to gather outside Congress to demand an immediate ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published August 19, 2024.
Kelly Geraldine Malone, The Canadian Press
