Thursday night saw Kamala Harris take to the stage at the Democratic convention. And her message was one of hope and urgency. She told Americans that they have a “precious, fleeting opportunity” to back her campaign and move past the era that began with Donald Trump’s entry into politics nine years ago. But while her 40-minute speech lacked the Obamas’ soaring rhetoric earlier in the week, there was no denying the excitement in the room.
Enthusiasm renewed among Democrats Kamala Harris
The Democratic convention in Chicago has been rife with anticipation and optimism. High-profile celebrity endorsements and a sense of turning a page for the party have re-energised delegates who haven’t shown this much vim since Barack Obama’s first run for president in 2008. There is also a palpable sense of relief that Joe Biden — seen as hampered by age — is no longer top of the ticket. Harris and running mate Tim Walz have slipped into their roles atop it quickly, adding to the excitement.
Concerns under the surface Kamala Harris
But despite their evident enthusiasm, Democratic strategists are cautious. They know that winning campaigns rely on grassroots efforts — voters and activists knocking on doors, making calls and getting people out to vote on 5 November. While recent opinion polls have moved in their favour since Biden dropped out, it remains tight: this election will be won or lost across a smattering of key states such as Georgia, Arizona, Nevada, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Michigan and North Carolina, where either candidate could feasibly win; political dynamics could change rapidly with over 70 days remaining.
Warnings from party veterans
Veteran Democratic strategist Jim Messina — who managed Barack Obama’s 2012 campaign — cautioned against overconfidence. On BBC’s Americast podcast he warned: “Kamala Harris has had the best 30 days in American politics I’ve seen in a very long time but she is still tied [in the polls].” They’ve gone from five points down to tied, but Messina stressed it remains tight with 75 days left.
Trump’s uncertain strategy
Donald Trump appears unsure how to campaign against Harris, struggling to settle on a line of attack or even one of his usual nicknames for her. Some Democratic strategists believe it is only time before Trump finds a way to define Harris that suits his campaign. But when he does, they warn, the race will get much tougher for Harris.
Calls to action from the Obamas
But alongside the optimism at the convention there have also been cautionary notes. Michelle Obama warned that this would be an extremely close election and emphasised the need for overwhelming voter turnout. “We need to vote in numbers that erase any doubt,” she said. Her husband, Barack, echoed that sentiment, calling on all Americans to fight for their country. “Make no mistake, it will be a fight,” he said.
Focus on key swing states.
Democrats running in key swing states know what awaits them this autumn. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Michigan) — in a tight Senate race in Michigan — warned Democrats not to become complacent: “Don’t get high on your supply and think everyone is as energetic as you are,” she told Politico.
Delegates Prepared for Obstacles Kamala Harris
Taking the messages of the Obamas to heart is how it seemed on the convention floor. For instance, Cameron Landin, 21, from Georgia — a key battleground state that Democrats won in a presidential election for the first time in 28 years just last November — knows they can’t take anything for granted. The mood may be jubilant in Chicago, but winning is far from certain.
