In a startling twist to the 2024 presidential race, President Joe Biden's recent exit has paved the way for a new Democratic frontrunner.
Following President Biden's resignation due to health concerns, Vice President Kamala Harris has officially become the Democratic presidential candidate, grappling with initial polls that position her behind former President Donald Trump, Mail Online reported.
The withdrawal announcement came after President Biden tested positive for COVID-19. He has been recovering at his Delaware beach house under the observation of White House Physician Kevin O'Connor, who has notified the public about Biden's condition daily.
Despite the leadership shift, Vice President Harris has quickly secured the necessary delegate support for the Democratic nomination, a rapid consolidation underscored by a surge in party fundraising. In just seven hours post-announcement, the Democratic campaign amassed an impressive $46.4 million.
Yet, national polling data paints a challenging road ahead for Harris. Surveys conducted by Morning Consult and others show Trump leading by 2 to 9 percentage points.
Betting markets have echoed these findings, favoring Trump as the probable victor in the upcoming November election. The shift in betting odds highlights Harris's perceived uphill battle despite solid financial backing from Democratic supporters.
The response to President Biden's health crisis and subsequent withdrawal from the race has stirred diverse reactions within and outside his party. Sixty-five percent of Democrats approve of Harris stepping forward as the replacement nominee, indicating a solid support base within her party.
However, the broader public sentiment is mixed. According to a recent poll:
Some Republicans have even expressed skepticism regarding the president's health status, demanding tangible proof of Biden's well-being.
Although Harris now leads the Democratic ticket, polls have also named potential successors like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Cornel West, and Jill Stein. Their inclusion highlights the Democratic Party’s exploration of alternatives before Harris secured the nomination.
Biden's endorsement of Harris was conveyed through a heartfelt post on the social media platform X, where he expressed complete confidence in her capabilities as his successor. This public endorsement seeks to solidify Harris's legitimacy and rally the Democratic base around her candidacy.
Biden is expected to return to Washington, D.C., on Tuesday. This marks a critical moment as he transitions back into his presidential duties while supporting Harris's campaign from behind the scenes.
The early polls are crucial for measuring voter sentiment following the unexpected change in candidates. They suggest a reactionary flux in voter alignment that could influence campaign strategies.
Despite the initial wake caused by Biden's departure, Harris's challenge will be to leverage her established political presence and recent surge in Democratic fundraising to close the gap in voter support that current polls reveal.
In conclusion, the 2024 presidential race has undergone a significant transformation with President Joe Biden's departure. Vice President Kamala Harris now steps into a contested arena, backed by considerable party support but facing strong opposition from former President Donald Trump. The dynamics of this race will continue to evolve as both candidates strategize to win over the American electorate.
