As the DNC begins, here are 5 things to watch for: How Harris approaches Biden, contrasts with Trump and more
One of the most unusual Democratic conventions in generations is set to kick off Monday and crown Kamala Harris as the 2024 nominee just one month after Biden's campaign ended.
CHICAGO — One of the most unusual Democratic conventions in generations is set to kick off Monday and make history by nominating Kamala Harris for president just one month after Joe Biden ended his re-election campaign.
Vice President Harris rapidly unified the party and locked up the nomination, even though she didn't compete in any primaries at the top of the ticket — and her campaign has since surged into a statistical tie or narrow leads in national and battleground surveys against Donald Trump.
Here are five big things to watch at the four-day convention here, where Democrats will seek to continue their momentum.
Harris' success so far owes in part to her ability to turn the doom-and-gloom environment that surrounded Biden's race against Trump into a more joyous atmosphere. Her upbeat persona — with a laugh Republicans have ridiculed for years — has found an organic fan base, sparking countless positive memes and viral clips on platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Biden's exit appears to have unlocked an enthusiasm among Democrats and unaligned voters desperate for a candidate who isn't trying to be president in his 80s.
Democrats are well aware of this asset and will seek to capitalize on that energy at the convention. But they'll have a balance to strike: Persisting with a joyful and optimistic theme could have its limits for a party that continues to warn that a Trump presidency could spell doom for American democracy.
Rating: 5