If the noise level in Chicago’s United Center were a reliable mood barometer for the entire country, Kamala Harris could already be thinking about wallpaper requests for the Oval Office. But, although the joy in the stands is real: the Democratic National Convention is just a curated reality. Yes, Trump 2.0 actually seems more unlikely these days than it has in a long time. But the race for the White House is and remains completely open.
At least the delegates didn’t have to choose a candidate here. The appointment of the duo Harris & Walz was purely formal. Instead, the party extensively celebrated its resurrection – and especially the woman who used the defibrillator. From outgoing President Joe Biden to Democratic veteran Nancy Pelosi to power couple Michelle and Barack Obama: the who’s who of Democrats almost stepped on their feet at the lectern to praise Kamala Harris to the skies.
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A second chance for Kamala Harris – and for the Democrats
“Thank you for bringing back the joy,” said a visibly touched Tim Walz during his first appearance at Harris’ side a few weeks ago, speaking from the hearts of millions of Americans. Walz is not wrong. Kamala Harris is currently riding a wave that would have won her surfing gold in Paris.
It was still surprising that she would spark such euphoria, as she had disappeared into Biden’s shadow as Vice President. As his deputy, Harris would only have been able to make a Wikipedia entry for high school presentations. First woman in office, yes. But she hasn’t thrown much more into the political arena in the past four years. Now she has the chance to rewrite her entry in the history books and lead her party into a much-needed new era.
Who is the woman on whose shoulders rests the hope of (at least) half of the United States? The life of Kamala Harris in pictures.
Note: This photo series originally appeared on August 19th and has been updated accordingly.
Sources: “Washington Post”; “Radio Liberty”; “Conversation”; CNN
