Kamala Harris’ Blueprint to Securing the Democratic Nomination

Vice President Kamala Harris has quickly shifted gears to lock in Democratic delegates for her 2024 presidential campaign after President Joe Biden announced his decision to step aside. This decision, driven by concerns within the party over Biden’s ability to defeat Donald Trump, has drastically altered the political landscape.

Immediately after Biden’s announcement on Sunday, key Democratic figures and organizations rallied behind Harris, showcasing a united front to bolster her chances. With Biden’s exit, his delegates are now free to support any candidate, leading Harris to swiftly seek endorsements.

Her task is monumental. Beyond securing the nomination, Harris has to select a running mate and steer a vast campaign infrastructure within a tight timeframe of just over 100 days before the election. On Sunday afternoon, Biden’s campaign rebranded itself as Harris for President, signaling her inheritance of a robust political operation with a significant war chest.

Harris, supported by family and staff, made over 100 calls to Democratic officials, seeking their endorsement. Speaking to party leaders, she acknowledged Biden’s support but emphasized her desire to earn the nomination on her own merits.

The party quickly showed signs of consolidation. Endorsements poured in from several influential caucuses and organizations, including the AAPI Victory Fund, The Collective PAC, and the Latino Victory Fund. High-profile potential running mates such as Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper also backed her candidacy.

However, former President Barack Obama withheld an immediate endorsement. Some party members voiced concerns that a rapid shift to Harris might seem predetermined, with Obama indicating his support would go to the eventual nominee.

In a surprising move, West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin is considering rejoining the Democratic Party to challenge Harris, according to a close adviser. This potential contest could add another layer of complexity to her campaign.

Harris is set to make her first public appearance on Monday, stepping in for Biden at an event honoring NCAA championship teams. In her statement, she praised Biden’s decision as “selfless and patriotic” and vowed to unite the party and the nation to defeat Trump.

Biden will address the nation later this week to discuss his decision. In a letter posted Sunday, he expressed his intention to focus on his presidential duties for the remainder of his term, while endorsing Harris as the Democratic nominee.

The Democratic National Convention is slated for Aug. 19-22 in Chicago. Initially, a virtual roll call was planned to nominate Biden, but the process may change due to his exit. Congressional Hispanic Caucus chairwoman Nanette Barragan indicated Harris’s preference for a traditional nomination process.

Democratic National Committee chair Jaime Harrison promised a transparent and orderly process to select a nominee capable of defeating Donald Trump in November.