Nothing about this year is normal. It could give Harris a chance at history

by Errin Haines for The 19th

With 70 days to go until Election Day, Vice President Kamala Harris is now within striking distance of becoming America’s 47th president.

For some, the moment seemed implausible just over a month ago — and that was not lost on Harris as she accepted the Democratic Party’s nomination for president.

“America, the path that led me here in recent weeks, was no doubt unexpected,” Harris told voters Thursday, the final night of the Democratic National Convention. “But I’m no stranger to unlikely journeys.”

In record time, Harris has gone from running mate to candidate, from overlooked to undeniable as the Democratic Party’s standard bearer.

The circumstances of Harris’ historic run, like the 2024 election cycle, have been unconventional, a combination of luck — good and bad — preparation, and an unprecedented political climate. Now, for the second time in less than a decade — and the second time ever —  a woman is at the top of the ticket for a major American political party.  

Biden’s decision to drop out, thrusting Harris into the campaign and allowing her to ride a wave of joy and momentum, has created a situation singular in American politics.