Historic Shift: Kamala Harris Launches Presidential Campaign at Democratic National Convention

Democrats gather in Chicago to celebrate Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential campaign against Republican Donald Trump and honor Joe Biden, who exited the race. The four-day Democratic National Convention includes a significant protest regarding Biden's support for Israel's Gaza offensive. Harris aims to make history as the first female president.

Democrats convened in Chicago on Monday to celebrate Vice President Kamala Harris' newly launched campaign for the White House, pitting her against Republican Donald Trump, and to honor incumbent President Joe Biden, whose withdrawal from the race revitalized the party. Monday marked the commencement of the four-day Democratic National Convention expected to draw tens of thousands of protesters, many opposing Biden's support for Israel's Gaza offensive, set to march a mile-long route through the city.

Biden, 81, who reluctantly ended his reelection bid last month under intense pressure from top Democrats concerned about his age, is slated to speak at 10:50 p.m. Eastern time (0250 Tuesday GMT) to advocate for Harris and underscore the necessity of defeating 78-year-old former President Trump. Harris, 59, is anticipated to join Biden on stage in a symbolic gesture of unity and the passing of the torch.

Harris will officially accept the nomination on Thursday night, delivering a significant speech. If victorious on November 5, Harris would become the first female president in U.S. history. A coalition of 200 social justice organizations, including many pro-Palestinian groups, will be present at the convention, urging the party to amend its platform to restrict arms to Israel, albeit the 92-page policy platform up for a vote lacks such an embargo.

Harris enters the convention on a wave of momentum: her campaign's record-breaking fundraising, mass support rallies, and favorable shifts in battleground polls. However, Chauncey McLean, leading Future Forward, a significant pro-Harris fundraising committee, warns against overconfidence. Polls previously showed Trump with a lead over Biden, but Harris has since narrowed the gap both nationally and in critical states like Pennsylvania.

Throughout the convention week, Harris will campaign extensively with her vice-presidential pick, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and will make trips to key states, including a campaign event in Milwaukee. Trump aims to counter by addressing economic policies and holding events in battleground states. Democratic speeches will also feature Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and Bill Clinton, highlighting unified support for Harris' historic bid.