Politics

Propelling Kamala: the Democratic machine whirs into motion

Joe Biden is using his 50 years of networking behind the scenes to get his vice-president the Democratic nod. There is a lot still to do, but the road ahead suddenly looks clearer.

Brendan Smialowski / Reuters

U.S. Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris arrives at Indianapolis to deliver a speech on July 24, 2024. Donors and politicians have lined up to back her.

Propelling Kamala: the Democratic machine whirs into motion

Aqeel Abbas

last update on 25 Jul 2024

Just 24 hours after US President Joe Biden withdrew his candidacy from the 2024 presidential race, his vice-president and possible successor Kamala Harris had raised $81m in campaign donations.

This substantial sum, amassed so swiftly, reflects the rising enthusiasm among Democrats to unite behind a non-divisive candidate with a genuine chance of winning the White House. Biden had recently seemed unlikely to do so.

Yet perhaps more significantly, it highlights her proactive efforts to galvanise financial and political backing. Informed sources report that she spent the hours after Biden’s announcement making calls to both politicians and donors.

Harris was well-placed to make them and secure support, having been in constant communication with Biden in the hours before he pulled the plug.

Their coordinated effort aimed to ensure a smooth transition, thus continuing Biden’s presidential legacy.

Leaving a footprint

His investment in Harris is both clear and logical, as demonstrated by his endorsement of her. This significantly reduced the likelihood of other Democratic candidates challenging her within the party.

Brendan Smialowski / AFP — People listen to Kamala Harris deliver the keynote speech at Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. Joe Biden has reportedly helped her win the Democratic nomination.

With Harris at the forefront, Biden’s political approach is poised to continue if she wins the presidency, embodying the assertion that his ideas can triumph over Trump, even if he is no longer physically in the race.

This brings genuine solace to Biden, his family, and his most dedicated supporters. The issue of his legacy is one that has concerned him, according to sources. It is the political footprint that extends beyond the term of office.

Sources say Harris spent the hours after Biden's announcement making calls to both politicians and donors. She was well-placed to make them.

In American political understanding, one-term presidents can be seen as transient, borderline failures, whereas two-term presidents are seen as successful, with a lasting political legacy that surpasses their years in the White House.

A Democratic vote for Harris therefore appears to be a vote for Biden himself, and a continuation of his political line and party consensus.

To win the nomination

Harris is diligently seeking support from senior Democrats, most probably with substantial behind-the-scenes backing from Biden.

Nancy Pelosi, the Clintons, numerous Democratic legislators in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, state governors, and well-known reputable institutions (both rights-oriented and union-based, known for their Democratic leanings) are all onboard.

This will help her get as many electoral delegates as possible. There are 3,949 delegates representing voters who were elected over several months in every US state and territory. Harris needs 1,976 delegates for the Democratic nomination.

Kevin Mohatt / Reuters — US Vice President Kamala Harris greets supporters during her first campaign event as a candidate for president at a school in Wisconsin on July 23, 2024.

Although about half have announced their support for her, a clear election mechanism must be established to settle the matter, since merely saying so holds no legal value.

Candidacy mechanics

The party faces an organisational challenge that needs to be resolved quickly, because no presidential candidate has ever withdrawn after winning their party's primary elections before the party officially nominates them at the national convention.

The Democrats must adapt their internal system to accommodate this unprecedented situation and announce new competition and election rules that are robust, transparent, and competitive.

This is needed to prevents internal objections to the election result or mechanism, as well as legal challenges, during a hot and worrying election season.

The credibility of this process is crucial for fostering strong party solidarity behind the winning candidate, whether it's Harris or someone else.

There are 3,949 delegates representing voters in every US state and territory. Harris needs 1,976 delegates for the Democratic nomination.

So far, the Democratic National Committee (DNC)—the body responsible for setting these rules, comprising nearly 500 members from all states—has not yet announced what these rules will be or how they will be implemented.

According to Committee chairman Jaime Harrison, it will take a few days to ensure that "our delegates are prepared to seriously take on their responsibility" in selecting the Democratic candidate.

Starting the engine

Once the issue is settled—and Harris's chances are high, given the absence of a strong Democratic rival—the broader, more significant benefits of the extensive electoral and political machine that Biden is leaving for Harris will become apparent.

This machine, diverse in its capabilities and cohesive in its performance, took Biden nearly 50 years in Washington to build and utilise effectively.

It compensates for Harris's relative lack of experience in Washington, and the lack of political astuteness in her team. It took Biden half a century to become so well-versed in the capital's intricacies and decision-making processes.

Erin Schaff / AFP — Kamala Harris speaks at her campaign headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, on July 22, 2024. If she wins the Democratic nomination, she will challenge Donald Trump in November.

After arriving in 2020, Harris faced challenges with resignations within her limited political and administrative team from California. According to numerous sources, this added to the pressure on her during her early days in Washington.

However, with the growing momentum of her candidacy and the robust political and electoral team now backing her, the path towards nomination appears clear.

Uniting against Trump

While not of her own making, she has one major advantage in the race for the presidency: her opponent, Donald Trump.

The fierce and obstinate Republican is highly disliked by both large sections of the public and the leadership of the Democratic Party.

Defeating him in the November election has become an existential and defining challenge for them, so they are eager to set aside their differences over Biden and unite in what many see as the "battle of a lifetime".

This overwhelming Democratic sentiment was aired and addressed in Biden's resignation letter. "It's time for us to unite together and defeat Trump," he wrote. "Let's do it!"

The coming months will show whether Harris rises to the challenge.

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