Washington: In a remarkable turn of events for the Democratic Party, Kamala Harris is significantly boosting the party’s prospects in the US presidential election. Firmly positioned against Donald Trump, Harris is proving to be a financial powerhouse, drawing unprecedented donations and support. Since Joe Biden stepped back from the election race and endorsed Kamala Harris, the Democrats have experienced a surge in campaign contributions. Remarkably, Harris’s campaign has garnered a staggering $200 million (approximately ₹16 billion) in just one week.
According to a report by Al Jazeera, the Harris campaign announced on Sunday that they raised $200 million in less than a week, with over 66 percent of these contributions coming from first-time donors for the 2024 elections. Additionally, more than 170,000 volunteers have signed up to support Harris’s campaign efforts, participating in activities ranging from phone banking to public relations and voter mobilization.
Trump vs. Biden: Fundraising Dynamics
Earlier this month, the Trump campaign reported raising $331 million (approximately ₹25 billion) in the second quarter, significantly outpacing the $264 million (around ₹20 billion) raised by Joe Biden and his allies. By the end of June, Trump’s campaign had $284.9 million (approximately ₹21 billion) in cash reserves, compared to the $240 million (about ₹18 billion) held by the Democratic campaign.
Biden’s candidacy suffered after a poor debate performance against Trump on June 27, leading to his withdrawal from the race and subsequent endorsement of Kamala Harris. This strategic move reinvigorated the Democratic campaign, attracting immediate support from party heavyweights.
Key Endorsements Fuel Harris’s Campaign
Prominent figures such as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, former House Minority Whip Jim Clyburn, former President Bill Clinton, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton swiftly rallied behind Harris. On Friday, former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama also threw their weight behind Harris, further solidifying her position. The Democratic National Convention next month will determine if Harris will secure the party’s official nomination.
Harris vs. Trump: A Tight Race Ahead
Kamala Harris’s candidacy has breathed new life into the Democratic campaign, which had faltered under Biden. Her presence has reassured the party’s base, who were previously uncertain about Biden’s ability to defeat Trump or maintain his position in the White House. With less than 100 days until the US presidential election, opinion polls indicate a closely contested race between Harris and Trump.
Kamala Harris’s unprecedented fundraising success and broad-based support underscore her pivotal role in the Democratic Party’s strategy to reclaim the White House. As the election draws nearer, all eyes are on Harris to see if she can sustain this momentum and lead the Democrats to victory.
