Chicago (Ill., U.S.)—Today, they’re calling it the "Kamalamentum," a combination of "Kamala" for the Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and "momentum," signifying a surge.
The "Kamalamentum" is now evident in a reversal in the opinion polls, which on the eve of the Democratic National Convention show Harris leading Republican Donald Trump 49 to 45 percent in voter preferences, though still within the margins of error.
Just six weeks ago, Trump was ahead 43 to 42 percent over then-incumbent President Joe Biden.
Only six weeks ago, it was expected that the Democratic National Convention, which begins today, Monday, in Chicago, would be a political drama, where Biden, a president nearly 82 years old and criticized for his physical frailty, would attempt to energize his demoralized followers.
On July 16, the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee began, where Trump was eagerly awaited by his supporters, especially after surviving an assassination attempt during a rally on July 13. The attack only bolstered Trump’s popularity among his base.
The Republican National Convention, held from July 16 to 19, was a celebration of Trump, increasing the desperation among Democrats.
Two days later, on July 21, Biden announced his decision not to pursue re-election, effectively endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris, who quickly gained the consensus and support of the Democratic leadership.
At that moment, the U.S. presidential campaign shifted dramatically. Suddenly, the elderly candidate was Trump, at 78 years old, who began complaining that he had been prepared to face Biden and that his replacement by Kamala Harris was illegal.
Trump hasn’t lost popularity among his supporters, but the selection of Kamala Harris, a woman of Afro-Caribbean and Indian descent, energized the Democrats. Bruce Mehlman, a respected political analyst, noted on Sunday that while six weeks ago the enthusiasm indicators favored Republicans 71 to 33 percent, today they favor Democrats 81 to 80 percent.
The change partly comes from style. Where Biden, a politician of the old school, framed his campaign as a defense of American democracy and rarely responded to Trump’s personal insults, Harris embraces the democratic point but mocks Trump and his running mate, J.D. Vance, labeling them as "weird" and even "creepy."
Harris is just beginning to present her policy proposals, initially defined as populist and progressive, continuing what Democrats consider Biden’s successful economic policies. However, she also uses "hooks" like promising change, tax exemptions for families with children, and stricter immigration policies.
Her challenge will be maintaining the "Kamalamentum" for another 75 days.
By José Carreño Figueras
Contributor
jose.carreno@elheraldodemexico.com
@CARRENOJOSE1