What's happened
Kamala Harris has emerged as the Democratic candidate for the upcoming presidential election following President Joe Biden's decision to step down. Biden endorsed Harris, who would be the first female, Black, and Asian American president if elected. Despite her historic candidacy, Harris faces challenges, including low approval ratings and the formidable presence of former President Donald Trump. As she prepares for the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Harris's campaign is gaining momentum with significant endorsements from party elites.
Why it matters
Harris's candidacy is significant as it represents a potential shift in U.S. politics, with the possibility of electing the first female president. Her campaign could energize voters, particularly among women and minority groups, who may see her as a representative figure. However, her low approval ratings and the challenges posed by Trump could impact her ability to unify the party and attract undecided voters. The outcome of this election could shape the future of the Democratic Party and influence national policies.
What the papers say
The coverage of Kamala Harris's candidacy varies among sources. The New Statesman highlights her rapid rise from a promising candidate to a vice president facing scrutiny, noting that her polling numbers are comparable to Trump’s. In contrast, the South China Morning Post emphasizes her historic background and the support she has garnered from prominent Democrats, framing her as a strong contender. Meanwhile, the Washington Post focuses on Biden's endorsement and the implications of Harris's potential presidency, underscoring her history of breaking barriers. Each source presents a different angle on her candidacy, reflecting the complexities of her political journey.
How we got here
Kamala Harris's political career has been marked by a series of historic achievements. Born to immigrant parents, she has consistently broken barriers, becoming the first woman, first Black person, and first Asian American to serve as vice president. Her journey began in law, where she served as a district attorney and later as California's attorney general. Despite a challenging presidential run in 2020, her selection as Biden's running mate positioned her as a key figure in the Democratic Party. Biden's recent decision to step aside has paved the way for her to potentially become the first female president of the United States.
Common question
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Kamala Devi Harris is an American attorney and politician who has served as the junior United States Senator from California since 2017.
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Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. is an American politician who is the 46th and current president of the United States. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as the 47th vice president from 2009 to 2017 and represented Delaware in the United States Senate
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Donald Jasper Harris is a Jamaican-American economist and professor emeritus at Stanford University, known for applying Post-Keynesian ideas to development economics. He is the father of Kamala Harris, U.S.