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Vice President Kamala Harris Secures Democratic Presidential Nomination
In a historic move, Vice President Kamala Harris has clinched the Democratic presidential nomination, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) announced on Monday. This milestone marks Harris as the first Black woman and first Asian American to lead a major U.S. political party’s presidential ticket.
The announcement followed the digital ballot casting period for delegates, which closed at 6 p.m. ET. According to the DNC, Harris garnered an overwhelming 99% of the vote.
The Path to Nomination
The trajectory towards Harris’ nomination became evident shortly after President Joe Biden decided against seeking re-election and endorsed her candidacy. With no other serious contenders meeting the delegate signature requirements to appear on the ballot, Harris’ path was virtually unchallenged. By Friday, it was clear she had secured the necessary votes for the nomination.
Next Steps
The nomination results will soon be certified by the convention secretary, after which Harris will formally accept her nomination. Additionally, Harris now has the authority to select her running mate without needing a separate vote. She is expected to announce her choice by Tuesday, ahead of a campaign rally in Philadelphia.
“Comics for Kamala” Fundraising Event
In a show of support, numerous top comedians came together for a virtual fundraiser titled “Comics for Kamala” on Monday night. The event featured performances and speeches from Ben Stiller, Jason Bateman, Tiffany Haddish, Phoebe Robinson, Patton Oswalt, Whoopi Goldberg, Keegan-Michael Key, Ed Helms, Kevin Nealon, and Margaret Cho, among others.
Highlights of the Event
- Jon Hamm kicked off the virtual gathering, hosted by comedian Paul Mercurio.
- Nick Offerman performed a comedic folk song referencing former President Donald Trump.
- Kathy Griffin brought singer Sia on via FaceTime.
- Cecily Strong from “SNL” roasted Trump’s running mate, JD Vance.
- Keegan-Michael Key reprised his impression of former President Obama.
The virtual event drew over 24,000 viewers at its peak, raising more than $530,000 for Harris’s campaign.
Progressive Support for Harris
On Monday, progressive politicians, labor leaders, and activists participated in an organizing call to rally support for Harris. They emphasized that a Harris administration would be more likely to advance progressive policy goals than a second Trump term.
Shifts in Policy Positions
Harris has made adjustments to some of her previous policy stances, particularly on issues like fracking and healthcare. Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Rep. Pramila Jayapal highlighted the progressive achievements of the Biden-Harris administration, including climate change investments, drug price negotiations, canceled student debt, and strict antitrust enforcement.
Rep. Ilhan Omar urged supporters to rally behind Harris to continue building on the progress achieved during the Biden administration. Organizers of the “uncommitted” movement, who have yet to endorse Harris, expressed hope for potential collaboration to defeat Trump.
Endorsements and Momentum
United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain, whose union recently endorsed Harris, expressed excitement about the campaign’s momentum and anticipated a massive turnout at Harris’ rally in Detroit.
The Harris campaign is leveraging the anticipation of her VP selection, sending out emails encouraging supporters to stay engaged. Although a final decision on her running mate is expected soon, the campaign has kept the choice under wraps.
Comedian and Actor Support
Renowned actors and comedians expressed their enthusiasm for Harris’s historic candidacy. For instance, Ben Stiller highlighted Harris’s positions on gun violence and reproductive rights, expressing excitement about the potential of having the first female president.
Rep. Eric Swalwell lauded Harris for her humor and relatability, emphasizing the refreshing nature of having a leader who doesn’t take herself too seriously.
Organizing Call Highlights
During the organizing call, progressive leaders discussed the importance of supporting Harris:
- Rep. Pramila Jayapal emphasized past legislative victories and the need for continued progressive policies.
- Rep. Ilhan Omar posed a crucial question about the stakes of the upcoming election.
- Abbas Alawieh of the “uncommitted” movement voiced his internal conflicts but remained hopeful for collaboration.
The Harris Campaign: Building Anticipation
The campaign is capitalizing on the anticipation surrounding Harris’s VP selection. As of Monday night, it was unclear whether Harris had finalized her decision. The campaign aims to maintain secrecy to demonstrate loyalty to the new candidate.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a potential running mate, spoke at a fundraiser without revealing any details about Harris’s choice. He emphasized the importance of offering voters clear policy differences rather than resorting to personal attacks.
Republican Campaign Strategies
House Speaker Mike Johnson is set to tour 20 states in August to bolster Republican candidates and maintain control of the speaker’s gavel. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has criticized Harris’s racial identity, which has drawn condemnation from fellow Republicans urging him to focus on policy rather than race or identity.
Trump’s Campaign Tactics
Trump’s campaign has attempted to paint Harris as “dangerously liberal,” focusing on her record rather than her heritage. During a recent rally, Trump defended his running mate JD Vance while attacking Harris and her policies.
Upcoming Campaign Events
Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to travel to Philadelphia on Tuesday for a campaign event, where she is expected to announce her running mate. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has expressed her support for Harris, highlighting her political astuteness and experience.
Bipartisan Support for Harris
A coalition of Republicans and former Republicans has voiced support for Harris, emphasizing the need for stable leadership. Former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan and other coalition members highlighted Harris’s adherence to the Constitution and the importance of preventing another Trump presidency.
Campaign Trail Plans
Harris and her soon-to-be-announced running mate will tour key battleground states, while JD Vance will hold events in the same locations. This strategy aims to divert attention from Harris and reintroduce Vance to the public.
National Security Concerns
As Harris prepares to announce her VP choice, the Biden administration is closely monitoring potential Iranian retaliation for recent events. The administration is coordinating with allies to manage tensions in the Middle East.
Economic Challenges
Despite previous economic successes, the Biden-Harris administration faces challenges as the labor market shows signs of weakening. This development complicates Harris’s economic pitch as the new presumptive Democratic nominee.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is set to tour infrastructure projects, while Gene Sperling will join Harris’s policy team to bolster her campaign.
FAQs
What historic milestone has Kamala Harris achieved with her nomination?
Harris is the first Black woman and first Asian American to lead a major U.S. political party’s presidential ticket.What is the “Comics for Kamala” event?
It was a virtual fundraising event featuring top comedians to support Harris’s campaign, raising over $530,000.What policy shifts has Harris made recently?
Harris has adjusted her stances on fracking and healthcare to align more closely with progressive goals.Who are some of the potential running mates for Harris?
Potential running mates include Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly.What is the Republicans for Harris coalition?
A group of Republicans and former Republicans supporting Harris, emphasizing stable leadership and adherence to the Constitution.
Conclusion
Vice President Kamala Harris’s nomination as the Democratic presidential candidate marks a historic milestone in U.S. politics. With robust support from progressives, labor leaders, and even some Republicans, Harris’s campaign is gaining momentum. As she prepares to announce her running mate and embark on a tour of key battleground states, the excitement and anticipation continue to build. The upcoming election promises to be a pivotal moment in American history, with Harris at the forefront of a dynamic and diverse Democratic ticket.
