Is Kamala Harris The New Obama?
Vice President Kamala Harris is once again drawing comparisons to former President Barack Obama. At a recent rally in Atlanta, Harris, joined by musicians Megan Thee Stallion and Quavo, attracted a crowd of 10,000 at Georgia State University’s Convocation Center. This event was the most well-attended Democratic gathering of the 2024 election cycle.
The comparisons to Obama were not solely due to the impressive crowd or celebrity appearances but also because of the enthusiastic response Harris received. During her speech, she rallied the audience with her slogan, “We are not going back!” which was met with a roaring chant from the crowd. This kind of engagement is reminiscent of the fervor seen during Obama’s campaigns.
Harris also used the occasion to address former President Donald Trump’s recent decision to withdraw from a scheduled debate with President Joe Biden. This debate was set to take place before Biden was pressured to step aside as the Democratic nominee due to concerns about his age and mental acuity. Harris urged Trump to reconsider, emphasizing the importance of facing her on the debate stage with the line, “If you’ve got something to say, say it to my face.”
Interestingly, Harris chose to steer clear of the “Lock him up!” chant, which echoes the 2016 “Lock her up!” chant used against Hillary Clinton. This move was seen as an effort to maintain a more positive and forward-looking tone.
In a Zoom call post-rally, Democratic candidate Will Rollins drew a parallel between Harris’s energy and that of Obama’s 2008 campaign. He remarked that the enthusiasm at the rally was reminiscent of the “Fired up, ready to go” spirit from Obama’s early days. Donna Brazile, former chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee, echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of this moment for Democrats and the fight for freedom over the next 98 days.
The Obama comparisons were further amplified on social media by actor Mark Hamill and Rev. Al Sharpton. Both highlighted the high energy and enthusiasm present at Harris’s rally, drawing direct comparisons to the early days of Obama’s campaign.
These comparisons began in earnest in 2019 when Harris, then a senator from California, launched her presidential bid. Despite her early enthusiasm and efforts, she suspended her campaign before the Iowa caucuses. Her background as the daughter of a Jamaican father and an Indian mother has been contrasted with Obama’s own diverse heritage, highlighting different paths to prominence.
Democrats are hopeful that Harris can replicate the coalition that helped Obama win in 2008, especially in pivotal states like Arizona and Georgia, which Biden won in 2020. However, a senior Democratic source has noted that Harris will need to appeal to a broad range of voters, including white voters in key swing states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Unlike Obama, who successfully built a unifying campaign, Harris must navigate these dynamics carefully.
A Republican strategist, though acknowledging Harris’s dedication and preparation, has cautioned against excessive optimism. They noted that while Harris is well-prepared, she might struggle with complex issues and face challenges in her campaign and potential presidency. The strategist emphasized that if she wins, it will be crucial for her to manage her team effectively and face challenges with clear solutions.
Overall, Harris’s rally has generated significant enthusiasm, but the true test will be her ability to build on this momentum and address the complexities of a national campaign.
