Kamala Harris Set to Clinch Democratic Presidential Nomination This Monday

WASHINGTON — Vice President Kamala Harris, the first female vice president in U.S. history, is on track to secure the Democratic presidential nomination on Monday. This historic moment comes more than four years after her first presidential run ended in disappointment.

The wave of support for Harris began swiftly after President Joe Biden’s abrupt withdrawal from the race, following a disastrous debate performance. Harris quickly garnered the necessary backing from the party delegates, clinching the nomination at a record pace.

Her nomination will become official after the Democratic National Convention delegates conclude online balloting on Monday night. A recent poll from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that Americans are almost evenly split in their views of Harris, with 46% favorable and an identical share unfavorable.

Harris intends to maintain many of Biden’s campaign themes, focusing on democracy, gun violence prevention, and abortion rights. However, her rhetoric could be fierier, especially when invoking her background as a prosecutor while criticizing Trump.

California Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla highlighted Harris’s unique position, saying, “It’s almost as if the stars have aligned for her at this moment in history.”

Born in Oakland, California, in 1964, Harris is the daughter of South Asian and Jamaican immigrants. She rose through the ranks, serving as a prosecutor and California’s attorney general before becoming a U.S. senator. Her combative stance in the Senate, particularly on the Judiciary Committee, amplified her national profile.

Despite a promising start, her 2020 presidential campaign faltered due to internal strife and financial issues. However, her subsequent role as Biden’s vice president allowed her to impact national policy significantly.

Her vice presidency had its challenges. Harris led diplomatic efforts regarding Central American migration, a contentious topic that drew criticism from Republicans. Her visibility increased post the 2022 Supreme Court ruling on Roe vs. Wade, becoming the administration’s chief proponent for abortion rights.

In light of Biden’s withdrawal, Harris’s 2024 campaign has gained remarkable momentum, drawing newfound enthusiasm from the Democratic base and revisiting critical battleground states.

However, Harris faces considerable scrutiny, especially from the Trump campaign, which has criticized her for the high number of illegal border crossings during the Biden administration.

She is also contending with racist and sexist rhetoric from some opponents. Nevertheless, Harris counters with a message of unity and integrity, emphasizing the need for a leader who represents truth and respect for diversity.

As Kamala Harris prepares for the next phase of her campaign, the nation watches closely, anticipating the historical significance of her candidacy.