Harris Defies Doubters on Road to Presidential Nomination
- The vice president proved effective tactician during upheaval
- Thursday speech marks shift to more difficult campaign phase
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With her keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention on Thursday, Kamala Harris is poised to cement a stunning political transformation: From a vice president whose campaigning and leadership prowess were perpetually doubted by fellow Democrats to a candidate who has taken command of a newly galvanized party.
Harris tightrope-walked a summer of upheaval. First she navigated the awkward weeks when questions simmered about President Joe Biden’s electoral viability, publicly voicing her loyalty. Once he suspended his reelection campaign, Harris then set fundraising records, harnessed a social media frenzy and won over key stakeholders — including potential rivals for the nomination.