Kamala Harris is preparing for a pivotal moment in her political career as she readies to address the Democratic National Convention. The Vice President's speech, scheduled for Thursday night, is set to be a defining moment in her campaign as the Democratic presidential nominee.
With the election just 76 days away, Harris faces the challenge of introducing herself to a nation that remains largely unfamiliar with her background. Unlike traditional nominees who undergo extensive primary campaigns, Harris's rapid ascent to the top of the Democratic ticket has left many voters unacquainted with her life story and political vision.
The speech preparation has been intense, with Harris working closely with a team of advisors in Chicago. Adam Frankel, a former speechwriter for Barack Obama, has taken the lead in crafting the address. The Vice President's chiefs of staff, Lorraine Voles and Sheila Nix, have also been deeply involved in the process.
Harris is expected to delve into her personal narrative, highlighting her upbringing in California and her career as a prosecutor. This approach marks a shift from her 2019 presidential campaign strategy, reflecting the changed political landscape. The Vice President aims to frame her journey as a uniquely American story, emphasizing her middle-class roots and her experience working at McDonald's as a teenager.
"She's the vice president. People haven't paid as much attention to all the details of her life. The president is the politician that we know the best, so she's got to make sure that she tells people who she is before Donald Trump has a chance to tell them."
The speech is expected to highlight Harris's prosecutorial background, including her work on cases involving transnational gangs, sexual assault, and foreclosure misconduct. This emphasis serves to contrast her record with that of Donald Trump, who faces multiple legal challenges.
While Harris has not been known for soaring oratory, her recent campaign appearances have shown increased comfort in her role. The convention speech offers an opportunity to showcase her vision for the country and connect with voters on a personal level.
As the first South Asian American and African American woman to be elected Vice President, Harris's journey to the top of the Democratic ticket is historic. Her background as the daughter of immigrants from Jamaica and India adds a compelling dimension to her American story.
The Republican response to Harris's candidacy has been mixed, with Trump launching various personal attacks while his allies urge a focus on policy differences. The Vice President's team sees the convention speech as a crucial opportunity to define her image before opponents can do so.
As Harris takes the stage, she carries the hopes of the Democratic Party and the weight of history. Her address will not only introduce her to the nation but also set the tone for the final stretch of a high-stakes presidential campaign.