Kamala Harris is gearing up to lead the Democratic Party in the 2024 presidential race, drawing on lessons from her 2020 campaign. With a renewed sense of purpose and strategy, Harris aims to avoid the pitfalls of her previous bid and capitalize on her experience as Vice President.
Historical Significance and Initial Promise
Kamala Harris launched her 2020 presidential campaign with great fanfare, addressing a massive crowd in Oakland, California. She framed her campaign as a moment of reckoning, asking, “Who are we as Americans?” and invoking Robert F. Kennedy’s call for “moral leadership.” Her campaign began with historical significance, launching on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and referencing Shirley Chisholm, the first Black person and woman to seek a major party’s presidential nomination.
Challenges and Early Struggles
Despite initial excitement, Harris faced a crowded field of candidates and struggled to maintain her momentum. She aimed to appeal to a broad spectrum of the Democratic Party, but her campaign met challenges from both progressive and centrist candidates. “Kamala is a cop” became a popular tagline among progressives who distrusted her record as a prosecutor, highlighting the difficulties she faced in uniting the party.
The Turning Point: Biden’s Running Mate
Harris’s campaign hit a significant turning point when Joe Biden selected her as his running mate. Donna Brazile, a former Democratic National Committee chair, remarked, “There’s been no roadmap for Kamala Harris. But she’s found her voice and has been going non-stop since the 2022 midterm campaign.” Harris’s role as Vice President has allowed her to grow and solidify her position within the party.
Campaign Slogans and Struggles
Harris launched her 2020 campaign with the slogan “Kamala Harris: For the People,” emphasizing her background as a prosecutor and state attorney general. Her campaign initially positioned her as a favorite, but she struggled to find a unifying message. Her attempt to balance progressive ideals and centrist pragmatism led to a lack of clear direction, ultimately resulting in her withdrawal from the race before the Iowa caucuses.
Key Moments and Missed Opportunities
One of Harris’s key moments came during the primary debate when she criticized Biden for his opposition to court-ordered busing. “That little girl was me,” she told Biden, personalizing her critique. Harris struggled to maintain her momentum despite this moment and a subsequent fundraising boost. Her healthcare plan shift from single-payer to a Medicare-like public option further muddled her campaign’s message.
A New Beginning for 2024
As Harris prepares for the 2024 presidential race, she is seen as a more seasoned and savvy candidate. Biden’s former running mate is now poised to lead the party, having learned from her previous campaign’s challenges. “Politics is all about timing,” noted Democratic strategist Boyd Brown, highlighting the importance of Harris’s growth and experience.
Kamala Harris’s journey from her 2020 presidential bid to her current preparation for the 2024 race showcases her resilience and growth as a candidate. With lessons learned and a more strategic approach, Harris is ready to lead the Democratic Party, bringing her unique perspective and experience to the forefront.
