The Democratic National Convention begins next Monday in Chicago. This event represents the most significant political stage for Kamala Harris's presidential candidacy, with Tim Walz as her running mate. The delegates have already elected them, but it offers the platform for the nation to hear from them. Above all, it is an unparalleled opportunity for Harris to present herself on her own terms, redefine her public image, and consolidate her position with the American electorate.
The electoral process in the United States took a different course after Joe Biden's withdrawal from the possibility of re-election. The likely Democratic candidate broke fundraising records and pushed Donald Trump and his campaign team out of the comfort zone they had been in for weeks, particularly after the first presidential debate.
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In the average national polls, Kamala Harris leads Trump by nearly three points. In the last estimation with Biden as a candidate, the trend was reversed: Trump led by the same margin. In the swing states, the race has tightened again. The Democratic Party leads in polls in six of the seven key states needed to win the election. Additionally, it has gained ground in nearly all states, even in those where Republicans maintain an advantage.
Harris arrives at the Convention without having gone through the rigorous primary process and months of media exposure. This situation poses risks but also offers advantages. Public perceptions of her are not yet clearly defined, nor are they fundamentally negative. However, this forces Harris to present herself effectively and counter the image that Republicans have promoted against her.
Historically, party conventions have been crucial in confirming or altering public perceptions of candidates. The most emblematic case is Bill Clinton in 1992, who used the convention to overturn some of the erroneous beliefs about his background. Thanks to that, he was able to climb from third place in the polls.
The current landscape is different and characterized by polarization. In his constant attacks, Donald Trump has attempted to portray the likely Democratic candidate as a radical liberal incapable of handling issues like immigration or crime. The Republican vice-presidential candidate, J. D. Vance, has referred to her as an elitist who “thinks she’s better than you.” The challenge for the Democrats is to use their Convention as a platform to counteract their opponents' narrative with their own definition, closing off avenues for misinformation.
Harris's success at the Convention could further energize the Democratic campaign and reactivate the anti-Trump majority that defined the outcome of the last presidential election. The National Convention can and should be the starting point to rally, unify, and mobilize that sector of American society. If she succeeds, it could become the major turning point leading up to November 5.