CHICAGO — An unprecedented Democratic convention is set to commence Monday, marking a historic moment as Kamala Harris is poised to be nominated for president just a month after Joe Biden concluded his re-election campaign.
Vice President Harris has swiftly unified the party and secured the nomination without participating in any primary elections for the top ticket. Her campaign has seen a surge, nearing a statistical tie or even taking narrow leads in national and battleground polls against Donald Trump.
Here are five key points to observe during the four-day convention, where Democrats aim to maintain their momentum.
Will the theme of joy persist?
Harris’s ability to transform the gloomy atmosphere that surrounded Biden’s campaign into a more uplifting vibe has contributed to her success. Her positive demeanor, often mocked by Republicans, has garnered an enthusiastic following, generating numerous feel-good memes and viral content on social media platforms. Biden’s departure seems to have inspired enthusiasm among Democrats and undecided voters who prefer a candidate over the age of 80.
The Democratic Party intends to harness this energy at the convention, but they must find a balance. While maintaining an optimistic theme could be beneficial, the party continues to express concerns that a Trump presidency could lead to dire consequences for American democracy.
Both joy and fear can be motivators. Biden’s campaign leaned heavily on the fear of a Trump return, whereas Harris has opted for a core message of “freedom and opportunity,” infusing confidence into her campaign by playfully mocking Trump and his supporters.
Vibes or policy?
Harris’s rise has largely depended on positive perceptions. She has controlled her message tightly and avoided media interviews, a trend likely to continue throughout the convention. This groundbreaking nomination — the first for a Black woman and first Indian American from a major party — presents opportunities for uplifting moments.
However, the question remains: how will Harris and the Democrats balance this positivity with substantive policy discussions? Harris has recently unveiled economic proposals aimed at reducing living costs, but will the convention serve as a platform for more detailed policy announcements, or will she maintain a general vision?
Does Harris diverge from Biden?
A critical question for Harris is whether she will carry on Biden’s legacy or forge her own path. It is likely to be a combination of both, but which elements of Biden’s presidency will she embrace, and in which areas will she seek to differentiate herself? Will she openly reject any of Biden’s policies, and if so, what alternatives will she propose?
These answers may emerge subtly as Harris works to unify the party while acknowledging that some voters are dissatisfied with the current economic landscape.
Trump’s campaign is already framing Harris as a continuation of Biden’s policies, claiming she represents the failures of “Bidenomics.” Harris must persuade those disaffected voters that she can offer a new direction rather than merely perpetuating the status quo.
Energize the base or attract independents?
A perennial challenge for presidential candidates at conventions is balancing the motivation of their party’s base while appealing to independents and undecided voters who often determine elections. For Harris, who has limited time to make an impact, the convention presents a crucial opportunity.
She has made strides in regaining support from Democratic-leaning groups that have drifted away from Biden, including young voters, Black Americans, and Latinos, but more work is needed to solidify that support.
While some voters disenchanted with both Biden and Trump appear receptive to Harris, she faces challenges in winning over undecided independents, who can be notoriously difficult to engage. Her approach during the convention could reveal insights into her strategy for the campaign’s closing months.
How will Harris respond to Gaza protests?
Democratic politicians routinely encounter protests demanding stronger U.S. action regarding Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Protests had already begun in Chicago before the convention, with expectations of more throughout the event. How will Harris address these protests?
The response carries political ramifications. Internally, Democrats have debated whether the protesters represent potential voters or radical activists. However, there are Arab American and Muslim voters, notably in the swing state of Michigan, who expect Harris to take a more assertive position and advocate for a cease-fire. While she has expressed criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, it’s uncertain whether she will break with the Biden administration’s stance.
Harris has faced protests at her events before; during a recent speech, she admonished hecklers, suggesting that their distractions could benefit Trump. Conversely, she later exhibited a more conciliatory approach with pro-Palestinian protesters by acknowledging their concerns and calling for a cease-fire agreement.