Vice President Kamala Harris’s recent announcement of her presidential campaign marks a pivotal moment for the Democratic Party. Her sharp critique of former President Donald J. Trump and her endorsement of President Joe Biden’s achievements set the stage for a transformative future for the party and potentially the country.

In her first campaign appearance at the Delaware headquarters that formerly served President Biden’s re-election bid, Harris presented herself as a determined leader ready to continue Biden’s legacy and confront Trump’s policies head-on. “Donald Trump wants to take our country backward, to a time before many of our fellow Americans had full freedoms and rights,” Harris declared to enthusiastic applause. She emphasized her vision of a brighter, inclusive future for America, positioning herself as a staunch defender of social justice and economic equity.

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has rapidly consolidated behind Harris, with the chair announcing that the party would finalize its nominee by August 7. This decision reflects a strategic move to unify the party and present a cohesive front against Trump’s potential re-election bid. Harris’s campaign, led by seasoned strategists Jennifer O’Malley Dillon and Julie Chavez Rodriguez, is already gaining momentum, evidenced by a record-breaking $81 million raised within the first 24 hours of her candidacy.

Notably, Harris has garnered endorsements from influential figures like former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who praised her as “brilliantly astute” and the best candidate to defeat Trump. Additionally, Harris has received support from several Democratic governors, including JB Pritzker of Illinois and Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, indicating a broad base of support within the party.

Despite this groundswell of support, Harris faces significant challenges. She must navigate the complexities of taking over Biden’s campaign infrastructure and fend off any opposition to her ascent within the party. Moreover, she needs to define herself for the American public before the Republican attack machine frames her narrative. Prominent Democrats like Senator Chuck Schumer and Representative Hakeem Jeffries have withheld their endorsements, emphasizing Harris’s need to “earn” the nomination through a competitive process, a sentiment she has publicly supported.

The strategic move by the DNC to hold an online vote for the nominee underscores the urgency of consolidating support and ensuring ballot access across states. With a target date set for early August, the party is keen on avoiding a protracted nomination fight, aiming instead for a swift and transparent process that would solidify Harris’s position as the party’s standard-bearer.

As Harris embarks on her campaign, she draws a sharp contrast between her vision and Trump’s policies. She criticized Trump’s agenda, which she argued would benefit big corporations at the expense of Social Security, Medicare, and middle-class stability. “We are not going back,” Harris reiterated, emphasizing her commitment to economic justice and healthcare access for all Americans.

Harris’s candidacy also marks a historic moment for women and minorities in American politics. Her nomination and potential presidency symbolize a significant step forward in the ongoing struggle for gender and racial equality. This symbolic importance resonates deeply within the party and beyond, inspiring hope for a more inclusive and representative leadership.

Internationally, Harris is poised to carry forward Biden’s foreign policy legacy. Her planned meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu highlights her role in navigating complex global issues, particularly in the Middle East. Harris’s commitment to Israel’s security, coupled with her advocacy for Palestinian rights, signals a balanced approach to one of the world’s most enduring conflicts.

As the Democratic Party rallies behind Harris, the future of the party appears to be in capable hands. Her campaign’s early success in fundraising and volunteer mobilization suggests a rejuvenated base eager to support her vision. The Democratic Party’s swift consolidation behind Harris also reflects a strategic understanding of the need for unity in the face of a formidable Republican opponent.

Ultimately, Kamala Harris’s campaign represents more than just a bid for the presidency; it embodies the Democratic Party’s aspirations for a more equitable and just America. Her leadership, experience, and commitment to progressive values position her as a formidable candidate ready to lead the nation toward a brighter future. As the party prepares for the upcoming online vote, the stage is almost set for Harris to take the helm and guide the Democratic Party into a new era of leadership–unless someone else, like Michelle Obama, arises at the eleventh hour of the campaign.

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In August 2020, l’express wrote that Kamala is not one to mince words. This tenacious yet always smiling woman, with gestures that remind us of India or Mauritius, didn’t hold back against Biden during the Democratic primaries. But instead of holding it against her, Biden appreciated her style. According to the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University, Black feminists frequently point out that 53% of white women voted for Trump, while 94% of Black women voted for Clinton in 2016. Biden could hardly do less than recognize their loyalty.

Fortunately for her, Kamala wasn’t born in Mauritius. She would have been a victim, like many of us, of the electoral system and wouldn’t have been able to shine as she does in the United States. On March 23, 2008, under the title “If Obama Were Mauritian,” we wrote: “It’s a good thing that Barack Obama is not from Mauritius. With an unknown surname, moreover from a mixed union, he would have had a hard time getting a key role within one of the three main party owners. The latter are practically mandated for life to validate the ethnic profile of our public figures: from the simple village councilor to the president of the Republic. Behind Obama’s 2008 inaugural address, there is a vision; behind this vision, an ideal for equal opportunity for all. Behind those of our main political leaders, there is nothing but hot air. And some poor advisors...”

Nad Sivaramen (de Washington, D.C.)

Directeur des publications