WASHINGTON – Vice President Kamala Harris will make her first appearance as a presidential candidate in Wisconsin, a crucial swing state, after securing enough Democratic delegate support to become the party’s presumptive nominee.
Harris emerged as the Democratic candidate following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the re-election race. Biden, 81, ended his campaign amid growing calls from within the party questioning his ability to defeat former President Donald Trump or serve another term.
Less than 36 hours after Biden endorsed her, Harris secured the nomination by gaining the pledged support of a majority of the party’s delegates. “I am proud to have secured the broad support needed to become our party’s nominee,” Harris stated. “I look forward to formally accepting the nomination soon.”
An Associated Press survey showed Harris with over 2,500 delegates, surpassing the 1,976 needed for the nomination. While delegates could technically change their votes, no other candidate received any support in the survey.
Harris’s campaign reshapes an election landscape where many voters were dissatisfied with their choices. Concerns over Biden’s age and persistent high prices impacting household finances had been eroding his support, particularly in key battleground states like Wisconsin, Arizona, and Nevada.
Harris, the first Black woman and Asian-American to serve as vice president, will speak at a political event in Milwaukee. This appearance aims to revitalize the Democratic campaign. Harris, 59, hinted at her strategy against Trump, highlighting her past experience as a prosecutor in California.
“I know Donald Trump’s type,” she remarked, referring to her rival who was recently found liable for sexual assault in civil court.
Despite senior Democrats rallying behind Harris, the racial justice group Black Lives Matter challenged the party’s swift decision. They called for a national virtual snap primary before the Democratic National Convention in August, demanding more public involvement in the nomination process.
Wisconsin is one of three critical Rust-Belt states, along with Michigan and Pennsylvania, essential for the Democrats’ chances against Trump. Paul Kendrick, executive director of the Democratic group Rust Belt Rising, believes Harris has the potential to appeal to independents and young voters.
Harris’s campaign has seen a surge in contributions, raising $100 million since Biden stepped aside, surpassing the $95 million the Biden campaign had by the end of June. Hollywood actor George Clooney, a prominent Democratic fundraiser, endorsed Harris following Biden’s withdrawal.
Trump’s campaign continues to associate Harris with Biden’s more controversial policies, including the administration’s handling of the southern border crisis. “Kamala Harris’ dismal record is one of complete failure and utter incompetence,” said Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung.
Wisconsin Democrats believe Harris can energize voters who were previously unenthusiastic about Biden and Trump. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley noted Harris’s potential to re-engage crucial Black voters.
Democratic National Committee chair Jaime Harrison emphasized the need for a swift and transparent process to get the ticket on ballots in all 50 states, with the vice-presidential pick required by August 7. Potential candidates include Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, among others.
