On Nov. 6, Donald Trump was named president-elect of the United States in the 2024 election against Kamala Harris with an electoral vote of 312 to 226 and winning all of the swing states. Although this was not the outcome supporters of Harris were hoping for, her historic campaign run should be recognized.
On July 21, President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 election after his poor performance in the first presidential debate, concerning supporters in his capability to run against Trump. Following his withdrawal, president Biden endorsed his Vice President Harris, despite the risks – specifically that Harris is a woman. Although this should not be something that holds someone back, historically women have struggled to hold this position in America. Hillary Clinton was only the first woman to be a nominee in a major party in 2016, and Harris became the first female vice president in 2021. Harris being the Democratic nominee was a concern for political experts because the last time Trump won, it was against Clinton, and there was concern on whether a female candidate could beat him this time. Harris was still one of the best options and it was a risk worth taking.
Although there was much uncertainty in the beginning of this campaign, the excitement and motivation moved in quickly. Harris immediately started campaigning, wasting no time trying to use her limited campaign length to the best of its ability. This campaign brought attention to how crucial this race was, with people consistently repeating the high stakes and how important it was to vote. It was also made clear from the beginning that this was going to be a close race. The 2024 Democratic National Convention brought a new kind of energy toward nominating the candidate. Something that is normally a basic and mundane process was turned into a celebration. As each state’s delegates announced their votes to select Harris as the democratic nominee, there was a chosen song for that state to go with the announcements. Normally, using a song from an artist from their state. This convention brought hope and unity to the campaign and instilled confidence in voters.
Tim Walz, governor of Minnesota, was announced to be her running mate. This choice was beloved by many voters with him being deemed “America’s dad” because of the classic Midwest dad vibe he embraced, making him extremely likable. Along with that, his credentials were a great match to win over undecided voters from a more conservative background. This includes him being a part of the Army National Guard for 24 years, enlisting at only 17 years old and retiring as a Command Sergeant Major. His extensive military background helped appeal to more conservative viewpoints because, in this election, 65% of voters who have served in the US military voted Republican. Walz also grew up in West Point, Nebraska, a red state, and taught high school there.
There were lots of movements and support that developed over the course of the campaign. One group called “White Dudes for Harris” included a demographic that normally dominates the Republican vote, with 60% of white men voting republican this election. They raised $4 million on a Zoom call to raise support for the vice president. Another demographic of supporters is Republicans for Harris. This group is made up of voters who have either voted for Trump in the past or people who believe that Harris is a better candidate despite having Republican views. This did not only include average citizens, but people who have worked in the government or with Trump before. Along with these groups developed by average voters and citizens, celebrities have come out to back Harris as well. Charli XCX, posting “Kamala IS brat” on X when Biden endorsed her, is one of the first things that generated the hype for the Harris campaign. Beyoncé, who’s song “Freedom” was Harris’s campaign song, supported her as well and performed at one of her rallies. Gracie Abrams performed at a Harris rally, as well as finding time to discuss it on her tour and bring attention to the fact that one could register to vote at her concert venues and donate to the National Network of Abortion Funds. Maya Hawke posted an Instagram picture encouraging early voting and her view of Kamala Harris being the best for America’s democracy. Taylor Swift came out against Trump again on Instagram after doing the same in 2020, endorsing Biden. Along with these statements, her 2019 documentary “Miss Americana” includes many clips of her outwardly being against Trump.
Along with the support leading up to the election, the support during it was outstanding. Harris and Trump both held rallies the night before on Nov 4. Harris held a rally in Philadelphia with over 30,000 people attending and a line to get in that seemed to never end. Polls showed her leading still within margins of error of 51% to 47%. At one point she was even leading in Iowa and throughout the campaign there were discussions of her flipping Texas. The weekend preceding the election, Harris made an appearance on Saturday Night Live with Maya Rudolph, who has played her in skits since she became the vice presidential nominee in 2020.
Even if this campaign did not end how it seemed it would, it was a moment of hope and unity that held the Democratic party together. At the end of her concession speech, Harris said, “I know many people feel like we are entering a dark time, but for the benefit of us all I hope that is not the case. But if it is, let us fill the sky with the light of a brilliant billion light of stars, the light of optimism, of faith, of truth, and service.”
This speech left this campaign off on a note of hope and encouragement that cannot be forgotten. Although it was not successful, it set the precedent and led the path for many more moments of progress in the future.
