The vice president is the Democrats’ last hope to defeat Donald Trump.
July 2024 was a month that seemed to stretch on forever. On June 27, President Joe Biden participated in a debate against former President Donald Trump that quickly turned into a political disaster. The debate was so disastrous for Biden that it raised concerns about his age and cognitive ability, creating panic among Democratic voters. The fallout from the event spurred many in the party to call for Biden to step down from the race.
By early July, the pressure on Biden to bow out was mounting. On July 13, the tension only escalated when a 20-year-old man fired shots at Trump during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. Though Trump survived, the attempt on his life underscored the dangerous political environment. This event amplified the growing disarray within the Democratic Party.
In the aftermath, Trump, undeterred by the assassination attempt, forged ahead with his campaign. On July 15, he announced JD Vance, the Ohio senator and author of Hillbilly Elegy, as his running mate. This move solidified Trump’s strategy to connect with working-class voters in swing states. But just as the Republican Party appeared to be gaining momentum, Biden’s health further deteriorated. On July 17, he tested positive for COVID-19, further complicating his political standing.
As Biden’s campaign faltered, Trump formally accepted the Republican nomination on July 18. His speech at the Republican National Convention, which lasted for 93 minutes, was a rambling performance that raised more questions about his cognitive function. The speech only added to the doubts surrounding both candidates’ mental states.
On July 21, Biden made the bold decision to withdraw from the race. He publicly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to take his place. Within 24 hours, Harris had secured enough delegates to effectively win the Democratic nomination. She had also raised a substantial $81 million, signaling her readiness to run in what promises to be a fierce and unpredictable election.
As the election approaches, Harris faces the challenge of unifying the Democratic Party and rallying support for a campaign that must appeal to moderates, progressives, and independents alike. With Trump’s continued rise and the public’s growing disenchantment with the establishment, Harris will have to prove she can offer a compelling alternative to the status quo.
In the coming weeks, the question will no longer be whether she can beat Trump, but how she will do so. The political landscape is shifting, and Kamala Harris now stands as the Democrats’ last best hope to prevent a second term for Donald Trump.
