The Kamala Effect

After US President Joe Biden withdrew from the Presidential Race on the 21st of July, he endorsed his Vice President, Kamala Harris, for the Democratic Party Presidential Nomination. While many in the Republic front, and even the Democratic Party, called for BIden’s withdrawal, many were not ready for him to take action.

Many leaders and Democrats threw their hats behind a Harris2024 campaign and endorsed her. While Harris collected endorsements, many were open to an open convention. Of those who were open to an open convention, two of the most influential were Former President Barack Obama and Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi.

Both of these leaders have now endorsed Kamala Harris, joining the likes of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House of Representatives Minority aleader. The question is, why endorse her after advocating for an open convention. It must be said that while an open convention, that would include open nominations and competition between candidates, it is not good for the party. Leaders were needed to be the voice of reason if any divisions were to take place. What changes the Democratic politique is then what I would call “The Kamala Effect”.

A few things must be well noted:

1. Donations for the Harris2024 campaign broke all records. She raised $81 million in 24 hours, and over $200 million dollars in her first week.
2. Delegates across the country pledged their votes for her at the Democratic National Convention (DNC).
3. Leaders across the country the Democratic structures pledged their support for Harris.
4. Leaders across the ideological spectrum of the Democratic Party rallied behind  Harris.

With the DNC slated for the 19th to the 22nd of August, it seems the Democratic party is gearing itself up for a DNC-endorsed Harris candidacy. One voice that has not yet fully endorsed Harris is Senator Bernie Sanders, who awaits a full alignment with the working class people of the United States, those who need affordable healthcare, and more policies that many term ‘neo-Socialist’.

On the other side of the pond, the Republicans have been discombobulated by the nominee switch. Trump has made several statements that have seemed to be reaching for stability and complaining about the switch. Finding their feet against a Harris-led Democratic campaign is proving difficult. This is intensified by internal difficulties of the campaign, including Trump’s choice of a running mate. Trump seems to be discombobulated by a Harris run.

Polls have it that Harris is doing well in several states, including battleground states. Otherwise, she is strongly tied with Former President Donald Trump.

The question is, will the Kamala effect be strong enough to win in October? Will the Kamala Effect stand strong against Trumpism and an electoral Republican machinery?

While Biden was a good candidate who was quite contentious, it seems Harris strongly unites the Democratic Party and has the necessary resources and forces behind her. But will it be enough?

This election is not just for citizens of the USA. Whoever wins the election will shape the foreign and economic policies of the US for the next 4 years. This will mean that Africa’s position on the world stage, and in US-Africa relations, will be determined by this election. Kamala Harris, as Vice President, has visited Africa with the goal of influencing policy while threatening a withdrawal of aid. If she became President, would she use her Presidency to seek to advance and expand US interests in Africa?

Will the Kamala Effect have a positive impact on the African person in the US, the African person in Africa, and the African economic, diplomatic, and trade positions in the world? Or is Trump the man for the African?

As an African onlooker, I ask. Will the Kamala Effect be good enough for me and to me?