Kalyani Shankar

The US Vice President Kamala Harris ended the week by declaring, “I am Kamala Harris and I am running for President.” This historic moment, ending the suspense after President Biden withdrew from the Presidential contest and endorsed her as the candidate, marks a new chapter in American politics. It is now official.

Many influential Democrats, including former Presidents Barrack Obama and  Bill Clinton, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, fund giver George Clooney, have thrown their weight behind her candidacy. She now has the Party firmly behind her in her fight, instilling confidence in her potential to lead.

It’s worth noting that in its 248-year history, the US has never elected a female President. Even Hillary Clinton, who ran for President in 2008 and 2016, was unsuccessful. Kamala made history four years ago when she became the first woman Vice President.

Will she make history again by running for President? Can she win?She has to do two things. First, she needs to get the Democratic Party’s nomination, and then she needs to win.

Time is short, with only four months left before the election on November 5. Indian-origin Kamala Harris has several strengths and a few weaknesses. Her current position as Vice President and her qualifications to assume the role of President in an emergency are her essential advantages.

Four years ago, Kamala hoped Biden would finish one term and say goodbye to the White House. However, Biden stuck to his decision and insisted on running for a second term. But he surprised everyone by recently withdrawing and endorsing his Vice President.

One significant advantage was that she could break the glass ceiling by becoming the first woman president. She must work hard to appeal to Black, Asian, and female voters and gain support from other minority groups and undecided and younger voters. This could help her chances against Trump in swing states.

Secondly, another significant factor in Kamala Harris’s favour is her strong connection to Biden’s legacy, which is not entirely negative. This association could play a pivotal role in her candidacy.

She could bring together moderate and conservative members of her Party and act as a unifying force. To defeat Trump, her Party must unite and support her.

Thirdly, Obama was the first Black President, and John F. Kennedy was the first Catholic President. They could be her role models, inspiring hope in the hearts of many.

Fourthly, and importantly,  Kamala is 59 years old, which works in her favour compared to Trump, who is 78. Her age is not a drawback, but a substantial age difference could bring about change.

She can attract undecided voters by highlighting her achievements to gain their support.Fifthly, she can have Biden’s war chest of about $100 million. She has raised $200 million in the first week of her candidacy and signed up 17000 volunteers.

Still, she must instil confidence in other fundraisers for the enormous poll expenditure. Kamala Harris has strong ties to Silicon Valley since the beginning of her political career.

She is tapping into this support for her battle against Donald Trump.Above all, she must choose the right candidate for herrunning mate. The right combination should enhance the chances against the Trump-Vance team.

Kamala  also pledged to do “everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party and our nation, to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda.” Harris’s mission is urgent and crucial. She must gain the support of those who are uncertain or critical to achieve her goal.

The race for President between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump is currently tied, according to a recent poll by the Wall Street Journal. This tie is significant. The poll shows increased support for Harris among non-white voters and a substantial rise in enthusiasm for the campaign among Democrats.

Harris faces challenges such as her past unsuccessful bid for the 2020 nomination, her approval ratings, and the need to secure significant funding for her campaign.

According to a recent NBC News poll, Trump was ahead of Biden by 45% to 43%, and Trump also led Harris by the same two-point margin of 47% to 45%. But slowly, this is changing.

The time is short, as the campaign has just 100 days left.  Before the November election, the vice president’s team should strategise how to defeat Trump. Trump’s team may criticise Harris as inexperienced and risky.

She should be ready to face racism from the Trump campaign and run as a Democratic nominee who is a Black and South Asian American woman. This election is a critical decision that will shape America’s future. Biden’s exit has energised the Democratic.

It is up to Kamla to seize the moment to surge forward. Can she step in and be the natural leader in America? Her capacity to lead The next few weeks will show whether she can.

(The writer is a popular columnist, views are personal)