After one of the most astonishing comebacks in US political history, Kamala Harris will be honored by euphoric Democrats in Chicago this week as the party’s standard-bearer against Donald Trump.
With President Joe Biden reduced to a supporting role following his unexpected departure from the White House contest, the 59-year-old vice president and her running mate, Tim Walz, will be the main attractions at the Democratic National Convention.
Harris, the first woman of Black and South Asian descent to lead a major US party ticket, will have a crucial chance to demonstrate to voters her suitability for the White House and capitalize on the excitement around what is still a close election.
In front of thousands of delegates, Harris will have the support of three presidents: 81-year-old Joe Biden, former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, as well as former nominee Hillary Clinton. This is a stunning display of unity.
However, in the midst of preparations for widespread demonstrations against the Biden-Harris administration’s ongoing backing of Israel’s destructive attack in Gaza, there will also be heightened security in Chicago.
The US political scene has dramatically changed only a few weeks ago, when it would have appeared improbable that Harris would lead Democrats into the four-day gathering.
The party has dared to hope anew, rather than viewing the convention as a dismal, Biden-led trek towards an almost inevitable defeat following his horrible debate performance against Trump.
