Asset Publisher

IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire

Country Reports

Democratic National Convention Seals Change of Candidates

by Dr. Hardy Ostry, Jan Bösche

New Start, New Momentum

The Democratic National Convention has officially confirmed Kamala Harris as the party’s candidate for the presidential election. This marks the first time since 1968 that the candidacy has not been decided by voters in the primaries, following President Biden’s announcement of his withdrawal after the primaries. Just over a week after the convention in Chicago, polls indicate that Harris is gaining momentum and has shifted public opinion in favor of the Democrats in many states. Whether this will last until November depends on various factors. It is already clear that the race for the White House will be close.
September 2, 2024 Ordering Information

Asset Publisher

Demonstrative Unity Among Democrats

 

Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the presidential race triggered fears of chaos at the convention. If there had been multiple candidates, they would have had to compete for a majority of delegates at the convention. Biden’s withdrawal allowed delegates to freely choose their preferred candidate. This anticipated chaos did not materialize. Thanks to Biden’s support, Vice President Kamala Harris had a clear lead; other potential candidates held back, also endorsing Harris. Consequently, she secured her candidacy before the convention. The event itself became an endorsement of her candidacy, supported by representatives from various party factions, celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, and even some Republicans, such as former Congressman Adam Kinzinger.

 

The full-length publication is only available in German

Asset Publisher

Contact

Dr. Hardy Ostry

Dr

Head of the Washington, D.C. office

hardy.ostry@kas.de
2024 US Elections
Congressional and presidential elections in the United States – It's all about the White House and so much more
read now

comment-portlet

Asset Publisher

About this series

The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung is a political foundation. Our offices abroad are in charge of over 200 projects in more than 120 countries. The country reports offer current analyses, exclusive evaluations, background information and forecasts - provided by our international staff.