Kamala Harris finds confidence on trail

Kamala Harris has surprised even her closest allies with her newfound confidence and comfort on the campaign trail.

Could the Democrats win the election? That’s the question for debaters in @Crikey_News' Friday Fight – including our own @AvaKalinauskas.

If Harris can "win these critical states in November, she has perhaps her clearest path," Ava writes. Read it here👇 https://t.co/UYIJcTjDwd

— United States Studies Centre (@USSC) August 17, 2024

Just three weeks into her presidential run, Harris is showing a more succinct, punchy side of herself, a stark contrast to the hesitant politician many remembered from previous years. Harris’ campaign strategy includes limiting public appearances and avoiding major unscripted moments to maintain control over her messaging.

This is a bunch of good, honest questions for Kamala Harris, by @BenjySarlin, beginning with an obvious one that it's kind of wild we don't know: What's her top legislative priority? https://t.co/pt7JYcfLvz

— Ben Smith (@semaforben) August 18, 2024

She is capitalizing on her liberation from the confines of her vice-presidential role, campaigning solely for herself and not trying to align with President Biden’s agenda. Harris has assembled a tight-knit team that meets often at her residence in the Naval Observatory. This core group includes people she deeply trusts and who have been instrumental in shaping her campaign’s direction.

Kamala Harris’s dream start – and the Trump threat that still lurks. Latest column https://t.co/OW9geGlrl3

— Jonathan Freedland (@Freedland) August 16, 2024

Harris’ evolving campaign strategy

The rapid pace has prevented old hesitations from resurfacing, with her initial campaign speech put together in hours. Anita Dunn, a senior adviser, highlighted Harris‘ preparedness, stating, “There is nothing that prepares you to run for president like running for president. She’s been vice president for three and a half years, which gives her a depth and foundation to run from that is difficult to replicate. Harris’ journey to this point has not been without its challenges. After a difficult first year as vice president, she needed to regain confidence. The future-focused campaign strategy and deeper reorganization of her staff, led by Lorraine Voles, were crucial in this revival. With the 2024 campaign underway, Harris has embraced the opportunity to be a more prominent figure on the campaign trail. She is determined to connect with voters and articulate her vision for the future. She is forging her path with a unique voice and a distinct message, leveraging her experience and newfound confidence to mount a robust presidential campaign.