Harris Begins Final Phase of Accelerated V.P. Search
New York TimesAug 16
Kamala Harris Clinches Democratic Presidential Nomination
Above: US Vice Pres. Kamala Harris arrives at her campaign rally at the Georgia State Convocation Center on July 30, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. Image copyright: Julia Beverly/Contributor/Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images
The Facts
US Vice Pres. Kamala Harris passed the threshold needed to win the Democratic party's presidential nomination on Friday, becoming the first woman of color to lead a major-party ticket and the first Democratic nominee from a western state.
Harris needed to secure votes from 2,350 delegates and crossed the threshold just a day after online voting began. The vote is open through Monday, when her nomination will become official. Since the official nomination vote is being held remotely, a ceremonial roll call will be held at the Democratic convention in Chicago on Aug. 19.
The Spin
Republican narrative
American democracy is at a dangerous crossroad. Harris' route to the top of the ticket is extraordinary, and a sham. She received zero presidential primary votes and never submitted herself to sit-down interviews or campaigning since becoming the Democrats' de facto nominee. The speed at which Democrats moved to coronate her indicates that Harris became the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee because of a de facto coup led by Democratic Party kingpins and donors.
Democratic narrative
Harris' ascent marks a milestone for a nation long riven by racial and gender issues. The prospect of seeing a woman of color defeat Trump has re-energized the Democratic Party's hopes of retaining the White House. Democrats should seize this moment, take advantage of her tremendous grassroots support, prepare a solid counteroffensive, and harness the enthusiasm for Harris into a three-month plan to turn the page on the Trump era.