Just 99 days before Election Day, a fundamentally new race is taking shape as Vice President Kamala Harris steps in for President Joe Biden against former President Donald Trump. This transformation has reshaped the election with new candidates, issues, and outlooks for both parties.
Harris, now the de facto Democratic nominee, has smashed fundraising records and energized social media, reminiscent of Barack Obama’s historic candidacy nearly two decades ago. “This is potentially Obama on steroids,” said Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, among the 40,000 participants on a Black Women for Harris call last week.
Republicans, meanwhile, are grappling with the reality that Trump’s victory is no longer assured. Some conservatives are second-guessing Trump’s vice-presidential pick, JD Vance, and the mood has shifted dramatically since the Republican National Convention just 12 days ago. “The Democrats now have a candidate who can speak, who can attack. They have a weapon,” said Republican National Committee member Henry Barbour.
Harris’ campaign has seen a surge, raising $200 million and signing up 170,000 volunteers in just a week. Her candidacy has revitalized Democrats, with prominent figures like Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer actively supporting her. As the race heats up, Harris focuses on issues such as abortion rights and Trump’s criminal conviction, while Trump and Vance continue their aggressive attacks.
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