Kamala Harris has initiated her White House campaign with a strong offensive against Donald Trump, presenting the upcoming November election as a choice between a former prosecutor and a convicted felon. Addressing approximately 3,000 people in Wisconsin, a key battleground state, Harris compared her Republican opponent to the fraudsters she prosecuted during her career.
Harris Attacks Trump’s Record
While Trump criticized Harris’s record on border issues, labeling her “Lyin’ Kamala Harris” and accusing her of destroying everything she touches, Harris secured the support of a majority of Democratic delegates, positioning herself as the party’s nominee.
Biden’s Withdrawal and Endorsement
President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the race, endorsing his vice-president amid increasing pressure from top Democrats and donors following his poor performance in a debate against Trump in late June. Harris’s campaign raised over $100 million in the 36 hours following Biden’s exit. A Reuters/Ipsos poll shows her with a two-point lead over Trump, 44% to 42%.
Harris Highlights Prosecutorial Experience
At a rally in a Milwaukee suburb, Harris emphasized her experience as California’s attorney general. “I took on perpetrators of all kinds,” she said. “Predators who abused women. Fraudsters who ripped off consumers. Cheaters who broke the rules for their own gain.” She assured the crowd that she understood Trump’s type and was ready to challenge him based on her record.
Crowd Enthusiasm
The enthusiastic crowd, in contrast to the more subdued Biden events earlier in the electoral cycle, chanted “Kamala! Kamala!” and “lock him up” when Trump’s name was mentioned, echoing a chant from Trump’s 2016 campaign against Hillary Clinton.
Trump’s Response
Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to highlight a poll indicating Harris as the most unpopular vice-president in US history and noted her left-wing ratings by GovTrack. He also criticized her stance on liberal priorities such as gun control, abortion access, child poverty, union rights, and affordable healthcare.
Harris’s Vision
Harris articulated her vision, emphasizing a country of “freedom, compassion, and rule of law” versus “chaos, fear, and hate.” Whether she can maintain her momentum is yet to be seen, with pollster Tony Fabrizio predicting that the initial excitement would wane and scrutiny would increase on her role as Biden’s vice-president.
Republican Attacks
The Trump campaign continued its attacks on Harris, citing her perceived failures at the US-Mexico border and the Biden-Harris administration’s record on crime and inflation. A Republican email accused her of bailing out violent offenders, insulting Israel, and misleading the public about Biden’s cognitive decline.
Trump Open to Debating Harris
Trump expressed willingness to debate Harris in September, originally planned against Biden, highlighting his belief that Harris is more radical left and easier to defeat than Biden.
Democratic Support and Endorsements
Harris has garnered endorsements from key Democratic figures, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, as well as Hollywood stars like George Clooney, Barbra Streisand, and Jamie Lee Curtis, potentially boosting her campaign funds.
In a related development, Republican Representative Andy Ogles introduced articles of impeachment against Harris for her handling of immigration, although it is unlikely to progress.
President Biden is set to deliver an Oval Office speech explaining his decision to withdraw. Harris’s campaign, buoyed by significant endorsements and fundraising, now faces the challenge of sustaining momentum and addressing Republican criticisms as the election approaches.