Kamala Harris’s campaign didn’t just fall out of a coconut tree. Here’s what you need to know.
Jul 26, 2024
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Eugene Daniels, co-author of Playbook, and Jonathan Martin, POLITICO's politics bureau chief, dissect Kamala Harris’s rapid ascent in the Democratic nomination race. They reveal the reasons behind Joe Biden's exit from the 2024 race and explore the shifting political landscape. The conversation shifts to Harris’s unique identity challenges, her appeal to diverse voter demographics, and the strategic dynamics shaping her campaign. They also tackle the impact of Donald Trump's response to the evolving political scene.
Biden's sudden withdrawal from the 2024 race has reshaped the Democratic landscape and ignited uncertainty about the party's future direction.
Kamala Harris's rapid consolidation of support and fundraising abilities reflects a new trend within the Democratic Party towards minimizing risks in candidate selection.
Deep dives
Biden's Decision to Withdraw from the 2024 Race
Joe Biden's abrupt decision to end his campaign for a second term has significant implications for the Democratic Party. Many were taken by surprise, as Biden made the announcement with a very small circle of advisors, indicating a lack of broader consultation within his team. The announcement came during a weekend when the campaign was already in disarray, leading to emotional responses among staff members who had dedicated considerable effort toward the campaign. This rapid change in direction has left the party grappling with its future, particularly regarding Kamala Harris's nomination and the overall strategy for the upcoming election.
Kamala Harris's Swift Nomination Process
Kamala Harris demonstrated remarkable efficiency in securing the Democratic nomination after Biden's withdrawal. Within a mere 12 hours, she and her team mobilized support and raised an impressive $100 million, showcasing her strong organizational capabilities and prior preparation for this moment. This quick turnaround highlights her strategic planning and ability to capitalize on unexpected developments. The speed and effectiveness of her response have positioned her as a frontrunner, garnering solid backing from influential party figures and established networks.
The Changing Landscape of the Democratic Race
The contemporary dynamics of the Democratic Party have shifted, making a contested convention virtually impossible given the overwhelming support for Harris. The Party has moved towards a more hierarchical system where candidates no longer vie openly for the nomination, posing questions about whether this trend will continue in future elections. Harris's rapid consolidation of support reflects a broader trend of minimizing risks within the party, where established candidates are favored over challengers. This environment has created a sense of order but also a lack of spontaneity that could influence candidate selection and strategy in the long term.
Trump's Initial Response to the Democratic Shift
As the dynamics of the Democratic race shifted with Biden's exit, Trump and his camp found themselves uncertain on how to approach Kamala Harris. Traditionally, the Republican strategy has involved direct attacks on Democratic candidates, but there appears to be confusion in attacking Harris's policies while navigating her identity as a female candidate of color. Trump's initial responses have leaned towards familiar tropes, but the challenge remains to effectively position the narrative against her strengths. The shifting Republican strategy and their struggle to define Harris signal the potential complexities of the upcoming election as both parties recalibrate their approaches.
Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels and POLITICO politics bureau chief Jonathan Martin join host Ryan Lizza to tackle questions about Vice President Kamala Harris’s new role at the top of the Democratic ticket, including:
What really caused Joe Biden to end his quest for a second term?
How did Kamala Harris lock up the nomination so fast? And what is really going on inside her campaign right now?
How have the issues, swing states, and demographics that will decide the 2024 election changed?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Democrats vying to serve as vice president?
And how is Donald Trump responding to all of this?
Ryan Lizza is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO. Eugene Daniels is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO. Jonathan Martin is politics bureau chief for POLITICO. Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO audio. Alex Keeney is a senior producer for POLITICO audio.