"The prosecutor versus the convict." This slogan printed on a T-shirt for sale on the streets of Chicago sums up the current U.S. presidential campaign. This slogan is widespread and presents Vice President Kamala Harris, who, despite nearly four years as Joe Biden's second-in-command, is still considered relatively unknown to the public.
According to experts, Harris must quickly shape her image before her Republican rival, Donald Trump, and his allies define it for her.
In this regard, the Democratic National Convention that began yesterday afternoon in Chicago is a great opportunity. Traditionally, it is the moment when the candidates of the major parties present themselves to the nation after arduous primary campaigns aimed mostly at party members and supporters.
For Harris, this will clarify to what extent she will continue Biden's policies, especially the economic ones, which Democrats consider successful but are troubled by inflation concerns.
"Many voters are still learning about Harris, which creates a crucial test for the party this week. A third say they don't yet know what she stands for. Most voters think her views are similar—but not exactly the same—as Joe Biden's. And she is seen as somewhat—but not entirely—linked to Biden's economy," stated an analysis by CBS.
In fact, many believe that Harris must continue, at least in part, Biden's legacy. However, the question is how far, to what degree, and what she will propose in her name.
On the other hand, it's clear that she is the prosecutor on the T-shirt, and the convict is Trump, who is at the center of a series of legal troubles and has been involved in over 4,000 lawsuits in his life as a businessman.
But still, she remains unknown. "Famous, but unknown," commented The New York Times. For now, the polls show a strong resurgence for the Democrats, with Harris surpassing Trump even in several key states where the election is expected to be decided.
But she still needs to present her government proposals, and with two months to go until the election, there is curiosity about whether the Democrats can maintain the sense of optimism that currently characterizes them.
Meanwhile, part of the Republican problem, according to the U.S. political press, is that Trump himself does not seem ready to accept the change of opponent, clinging to his claims of having managed a better economy and continuing to insist on the supposed electoral fraud of 2020. According to The Washington Post, he is also preparing to dispute the election results. This means that Harris will need to convincingly win both the Electoral College and the popular vote.
BY JOSÉ CARREÑO FIGUERAS
CONTRIBUTOR
JOSE.CARRENO@ELHERALDODEMEXICO.COM
@CARRENOJOSE1