### Trump Faces Tougher Race as Harris Prepares to Run for Election
Republicans have gained ground in the areas of economy, inflation, and immigration, while abortion remains a key issue.
President Joe Biden’s endorsement of Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate has set the stage for a tougher and more uncertain race in November, according to some experts.
Biden withdrew from the race on Sunday after senior Democrats pressured him to step down following a disastrous debate performance, with Republican candidate Donald Trump leading in the polls.
Ian Bremmer, president and founder of Eurasia Group, stated that the Democrats were headed for a “crushing defeat” in November, but now they have a chance. “They have turned [this race] around, and President Biden has given the Democrats a fighting chance,” he said, according to a report by CNBC reviewed by Al Arabiya Business.
Harris now finds herself on a smooth path to the Democratic nomination, though she will still need to secure a majority of delegates before the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in August.
While some other contenders may still join the race, Bremmer said, “It’s very clear that Kamala Harris is the favorite candidate.”
Steven Okun, founder and chairman of APAC Advisors, stated that if Harris wins the nomination, it will offer the Democrats a “complete reset.” He added, “If the Democrats can unite, come out of this convention, speak with one voice, and be vibrant and enthusiastic, they have a good chance of winning in November.”
Alan Lichtman, the presidential historian who has correctly predicted the winner of every presidential election since 1984, said that Harris would be in a “strong position to win the upcoming election” against Trump. Lichtman will wait until the Democratic convention to make his official prediction.
Harris stated in a post on social media platform “X” that she looks forward to working “to earn and win” the nomination while uniting the Democrats.
According to experts, Harris comes with several advantages compared to her previous running mate. Okun mentioned that while Republicans have gained ground in areas like the economy, inflation, and immigration, abortion remains a significant issue where Harris will have an edge. Harris has been outspoken on reproductive issues as the first female vice president.
Bremmer of Eurasia commented, “The fact is that both Biden and Trump are too old to run and serve another four years, and this is now Trump’s biggest weakness.” A recent poll showed that about 85% of the population believes Biden is too old to serve another four years, while 60% think the same about Trump.
Bremmer added, “You see a lot of enthusiasm for Harris, the younger, more energetic, and dynamic former attorney general who can certainly perform very well.” However, he also noted some of Harris’s weaknesses. “She is not highly liked as a politician… this has been a weakness for her.” Additionally, there are risks associated with running as a woman, the daughter of an Indian mother and a Jamaican father, in today’s America.
On the other hand, Harris might be in a better position than Biden with some key demographic groups, including “women, young people, and Black voters,” said Charles Myers, founder and CEO of Signum Global Advisors.
“It’s a completely new race,” Myers stated. “There is a new candidate with a tremendous amount of unity and enthusiasm behind her.”
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