Kamala Harris Presidential Campaign Gains Significant Momentum with Diverse Grassroots Support
In a week marked by significant political developments, Vice President Kamala Harris has seen her presidential campaign gather substantial momentum following President Joe Biden's decision to withdraw from the 2024 race. Since officially launching her bid, Harris has garnered extensive grassroots support across a broad spectrum of demographic groups, raising more than $15 million through virtual gatherings, according to a CBS News analysis.
Massive Online Engagement
A series of Zoom webinars and organizing calls have inundated social media and email lists, with different communities rallying to support Harris. One notable forthcoming event, "White Dudes for Harris," expects to host 50,000 men and will feature North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg as speakers.
This initiative isn't isolated. "Win With Black Women" was quick to mobilize after Harris declared her candidacy, drawing 44,000 Black women and allies, and raising $2 million. This was followed by a call with "Win With Black Men," which saw participation from notable figures such as journalist Roland Martin, strategist Bakari Sellers, and various elected officials, raising $1.5 million.
Cross-Demographic Support and Fundraising Efforts
Support for Harris spans across many demographics. Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action, organized "White Women: Answer the Call," a record-breaking Zoom call that saw nearly 200,000 women participate, raising over $11 million. This virtual event highlighted the crucial role white women voters play in elections.
Notable efforts within the South Asian community also emerged, with the Indian American Impact Fund and South Asian Women for Harris calls collectively raising over $300,000. A WhatsApp group and a new website — desipresident.com — have been set up to coordinate further volunteer activities.
Howard University alumni have also rallied behind Harris, a Howard alum herself, through the Bison PAC, raising $142,000 in their inaugural call and planning further fundraising events.
A Broad Coalition of Support
Harris' campaign has seen calls from Latinas for Harris, Native Women + Two Spirit for Harris, the AAPI Victory Fund, and the Out For Kamala Harris LGBTQ+ Unity, hosted by the Human Rights Campaign. Collectively, these calls have not only raised significant funds but have also mobilized key demographic groups vital for electoral success.
Substantial Surge in Volunteers and Funds
The Harris campaign has reported a surge of over 170,000 volunteers since the campaign's launch, with thousands of in-person events held in battleground states. It has also raised over $200 million in a week, with a majority of donations coming from first-time donors.
Challenges for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
While Harris' campaign enjoys significant support, independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faces considerable challenges. Following President Biden’s withdrawal, experts suggest that Kennedy's path to relevance has become even more challenging. Economic struggles and a limited campaign fund compound his predicament.
Kennedy has encountered further obstacles, including damaging reports and a controversial conversation with former President Donald Trump about potential endorsements, which has contributed to negative perceptions.
Political Landscape and Future Prospects
These developments underscore the dynamic political landscape ahead of the 2024 presidential election. Harris' candidacy and diverse support base emphasize a robust coalition while Kennedy navigates his campaign under the shadow of limited resources and controversies.
As the race unfolds, it remains to be seen how these dynamics will affect voters' decisions and the overall outcome. The coming months will be crucial as candidates work to solidify their positions and galvanize their supporters.