As Kamala Harris took over Biden’s presidential candidacy, it initially sparked excitement among Democrats. However, as the election approaches, many voters still find her hard to evaluate, questioning whether she has focused on the right issues. Despite the enthusiasm she generated, recent assessments reveal that she merely caught up to Donald Trump without surpassing him. Many voters remain unfamiliar with her, and economic concerns may weigh heavily against her campaign. As she rallies support from celebrities, the effectiveness of her final efforts remains uncertain.
US Election 2024
When Kamala Harris took over the presidential candidacy from Joe Biden, it sparked excitement among the US Democrats. However, as the election approaches, many voters still find it difficult to assess her. Has she focused on the wrong issues?
Two and a half months ago, everything seemed possible. “Let us write the next great chapter in the extraordinary story that has ever been told,” Harris declared at the Democratic National Convention in August.
Delegates were ecstatic, and tears flowed freely. A delegate from Oklahoma remarked that when Harris entered the race, it felt like a breath of fresh air, restoring their hope and optimism.
Throughout the campaign, Harris faced considerable scrutiny—can she still become the first woman in the White House?
A Boost That Wasn’t Enough?
As the election nears, the assessment appears more sobering. While Harris has given the party and its potential voters a significant boost, it seems she has only caught up with Donald Trump, rather than overtaking him, despite all the enthusiasm.
This may stem from the fact that many voters still do not know who she is or what she represents. According to Tracy from North Carolina, a Trump supporter, when someone has been in office for almost four years and you haven’t seen or heard anything from them for three years, it speaks volumes.
Tax cuts for the wealthy—this concept could make Trump a favorite of Wall Street.
Limited Time to Define Her Profile
Because Joe Biden exited the race at the end of July, Harris had limited time to become better known and sharpen her profile. Now, when it comes to immigration, she sounds strikingly similar to Trump, advocating effectively for closing the Mexican border.
She has also taken unusual stances on gun control. Harris mentioned in a talk show that she is a gun owner, as is her vice presidential candidate Tim Walz, and stated that anyone who breaks into her house would face gunfire.
On November 5, ten US states will also vote on abortion rights. Is this an advantage for Harris?
Lack of Trust on Economic Issues
Drawing on her background as a prosecutor in California, Harris positions herself as a strong advocate for law and order. However, her primary focus remains on abortion rights: the government should not dictate to women what they can do with their bodies, she asserts during the campaign.
This might also explain why Harris is not further ahead in the polls. “The issue of abortion resonates strongly, especially among Democratic voters,” says Professor Charles Franklin from Marquette University in Wisconsin. However, the overarching concern that interests everyone across party lines is the economy, and many trust Trump more on that front.
In a poll conducted by Marquette University, released in mid-October, Trump was leading Harris by 15 points. It seems unlikely she can close that gap, which could determine the election’s outcome.
A Symbolic Gesture
As her campaign nears its conclusion, Harris is leveraging star power and symbolism. Icons like Bruce Springsteen and Beyoncé have recently offered their public support. During her “closing arguments” rally held last Tuesday near the White House—where Trump spoke before his supporters stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021—Harris aimed to underscore what she believes is at stake.
But the question remains: Will this be enough for a victory at the polls?