Courtesy
Not long ago, many questioned if Vice President Kamala Harris was up to the task of a presidential campaign. Her polls, they feared. Her likability, they cried.
Today, those worries have not only been soundly rejected, but they’ve raised the question of why women are still so chronically underestimated in the first place. Harris had already risen through the ranks as a prosecutor turned attorney general turned vice president. Why wouldn’t she excel at this, too?
To hammer home Harris’ recent successes, below are four indicators that she has already exceeded expectations as a presidential nominee. Because no matter what happens this November, Democrats are undoubtedly better off now than they were before and we can’t forget that. It’s time to give credit where it’s due.
Fundraising: Fundraising is by no means the sole indicator of a successful candidate, but Harris is shattering records at a record pace, and that means something.
Within the first 24 hours of her campaign, Harris hauled in over $81 million, far surpassing the recent totals of her opponent and predecessor. She didn’t stop there. She then drew a record-breaking $200 million in her first week of candidacy, leading to a whopping $310 million in only the latter portion of July. It’s a huge and much-needed uptick in Democratic support, with an impressive two-thirds of Harris’ donors reportedly giving for the first time this election cycle.
Enthusiasm: Brat. GOAT. Feminomenon. You name it, Harris has become it. Her joy and optimism have catapulted political enthusiasm in a way few expected. She’s become a global sensation almost overnight and has taken to packing stadiums so full it could make Trump green. It’s a level of enthusiasm not felt since Obama’s 2008 election, proving any doubt about Harris’ campaign acumen wholly unjustified. Best of all, her partner and First Gentleman hopeful Doug Emhoff is her biggest supporter, setting a positive example for men for generations to come.
Polling: Prior to Harris entering the race, Democrats were in a pickle. President Biden’s polls were struggling, with most indicating a tough path, if any, to victory.
Now, polls are surging in Harris’ favor. The Economist shows Harris leading Trump, marking the first time a Democrat had topped the poll since last October. The New York Times and NPR show Harris leading Trump. Even conservative-leaning outlets show Harris leading in all seven swing states with massive gains to her overall approval ratings. It’s an unprecedented shift that has left many pollsters gobsmacked — and Trump crying “unfair.”
VP Pick: Here again, Harris impresses. Picking Gov. Tim Walz as VP was unconventional and shows her willingness to make tough decisions. It’s exactly the kind of gumption we need in a leader, and her choice has thus far been spot on. Walz is an unexpected delight, unifying Republicans and progressives alike. Whatever the outcome, Harris has demonstrated a sound choice that is worthy of respect.
Of course, no amount of achievements can guarantee a win, and there are many factors outside of Harris’ control. And even if she does win fair and square, Trump has made it abundantly clear he has no intent of ensuring a peaceful transfer of power. This sentiment is reinforced with 71% of Americans now believing Trump will not concede even if he loses.
What this means no one knows for sure, but it’s not good. Perhaps he calls for more political violence like January 6th. Or perhaps he calls for undemocratic court challenges. We shouldn’t put anything past him at this point, nor should we expect that any Democrat can prevent Trump’s actions.
So whatever your doubts of Harris might have been, it’s clearly time to set them aside. The only question now is why anyone ever thought only Biden could give us the best chance.
Just kidding. It’s called sexism.
Trish Zornio is a scientist, lecturer and writer who has worked at some of the nation’s top universities and hospitals. She’s an avid rock climber and was a 2020 candidate for the U.S. Senate in Colorado. Trish can be found on Twitter @trish_zornio
Leave a Reply