Vice President Kamala Harris kicked off her presidential campaign with a robust attack on former President Donald Trump, positioning herself as a candidate of justice and integrity. Speaking to a crowd of about 3,000 in Wisconsin, Harris drew on her experience as a former prosecutor to contrast herself with Trump, who she referred to as a ‘convicted felon’.
Kamala Harris made her first campaign appearance as the Democratic presidential nominee in the battleground state of Wisconsin, where she addressed a crowd of approximately 3,000 supporters. Harris emphasized her background as California’s attorney general, highlighting her record of prosecuting fraudsters and predators. “I took on perpetrators of all kinds,” she declared. “Predators who abused women. Fraudsters who ripped off consumers. Cheaters who broke the rules for their own gain.” She then drew a direct comparison to Trump, stating, “So hear me when I say I know Donald Trump’s type. In this campaign, I promise you, I will proudly put my record against his any day of the week.”
The crowd responded enthusiastically, chanting “Kamala! Kamala!” as she spoke. The energy in the room was markedly different from previous Biden events, with attendees showing a level of excitement that has been largely absent in the Democratic campaign this electoral cycle. When Harris mentioned Trump, the crowd erupted with chants of “lock him up,” echoing the sentiment Trump supporters expressed against Hillary Clinton in 2016. This fervent support underscores the high stakes and polarized nature of the upcoming election.
Trump Responds with Sharp Criticism
In a characteristically combative manner, Donald Trump responded to Kamala Harris’s rally with sharp criticism on social media. He attacked her record on immigration and painted her as a far-left radical, continuing to frame her as an extreme candidate out of touch with mainstream America.
Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to slam Kamala Harris, calling her the “most unpopular vice-president in US history.” He highlighted a poll that supports his claim and noted her left-wing rating by the non-partisan congressional scorekeeper, GovTrack. Trump further criticized Harris’s handling of immigration at the US-Mexico border, accusing her of failing to stem a record influx of illegal immigrants. “Lyin’ Kamala Harris destroys everything she touches!” Trump wrote, continuing his trend of derogatory nicknames for political opponents.
The Trump campaign has indicated it will focus on the perceived failures of the Biden-Harris administration, particularly on issues like crime and inflation. In an email to supporters, Trump’s team accused Harris of bailing out “accused murderers, rapists, and other violent offenders,” and misleading the public about President Biden’s cognitive decline. During a call with reporters, Trump described Harris as “a radical left person” and expressed confidence that she would be an easier opponent than Biden. “I want to debate her. She’ll be no different,” Trump said, signaling his readiness for a potential face-off in the coming months.
Kamala Harris’s Campaign Gains Momentum Amid Democratic Support
Kamala Harris’s campaign received a significant boost following President Joe Biden’s endorsement and a surge in fundraising. With substantial backing from key Democratic figures and Hollywood celebrities, Harris aims to build on her early momentum as she prepares for the challenges ahead.
On Sunday, President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the presidential race, endorsing his vice-president amid mounting pressure from top Democrats and donors. This decision came after a disastrous debate performance against Trump in late June. Following Biden’s exit, the Harris campaign saw a massive influx of donations, raising over $100 million in just 36 hours. This financial support is crucial as Harris navigates the early stages of her campaign.
Adding to her momentum, a new national poll from Reuters and Ipsos shows Kamala Harris leading Trump by two points, 44% to 42%. This slim lead highlights the competitive nature of the upcoming election. Despite this early advantage, pollster Tony Fabrizio warned that Harris’s “honeymoon” period might be short-lived, predicting a shift in focus to her role as Biden’s partner and the administration’s record.
Kamala Harris has already secured endorsements from key Democratic lawmakers, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Hollywood stars like George Clooney, Barbra Streisand, and Jamie Lee Curtis have also thrown their support behind her, potentially unlocking further substantial donations. As her campaign continues to vet potential running mates, Kamala Harris remains focused on maintaining her momentum and addressing the challenges posed by her Republican opponent. President Biden is set to deliver an Oval Office speech explaining his decision to withdraw, further solidifying his support for Harris’s candidacy.
Biden to Address Nation Following Campaign Withdrawal
President Joe Biden announced via X that he will address the nation on Wednesday night from the Oval Office to explain his decision to end his presidential campaign. This announcement comes after Biden’s recent bout with COVID-19, during which he spent several days in isolation. According to a letter from the White House doctor, Biden has since tested negative and no longer exhibits symptoms. His return to Washington on Tuesday marked the end of his isolation period and signaled his readiness to address the nation regarding the future of his campaign.
The timing of Biden’s exit is notably dramatic, coinciding with the aftermath of a high-profile assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The incident, which occurred on July 13, has spurred concerns about security failures within the US Secret Service. In response to the crisis, US Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned on Tuesday, adding to the atmosphere of uncertainty surrounding Biden’s decision and the political landscape.
Democratic National Committee Faces Urgent Decisions
In light of Biden’s withdrawal, Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair Jaime Harrison emphasized the urgency of the party’s next steps. Speaking on NBC’s Today program, Harrison stressed the necessity for swift action to ensure the Democratic ticket is placed on ballots across all 50 states. He highlighted that a new vice presidential nominee must be selected by August 7 to maintain party coherence and electoral strategy.
Several prominent figures are reportedly being considered as potential running mates, reflecting the DNC’s need for a strategic choice to complement the new presidential candidate. Among the names circulating are Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The selection process is expected to be closely watched, as it will play a crucial role in shaping the Democratic Party’s bid for the upcoming election.
