Democrats Divided Over Kamala Harris

In a significant moment at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called on her party to support Vice President Kamala Harris in her bid to become the first female president of the United States. Clinton, who made her last in-person appearance at a Democratic convention in 2016, emphasized the importance of breaking the glass ceiling, stating, “On the other side of that glass ceiling is Kamala Harris raising her hand and taking the oath of office as our 47th president.” Her remarks were met with enthusiastic applause from delegates, marking a generational shift in leadership. As the convention unfolds, some Democratic candidates in competitive House races are distancing themselves from Harris. Notable figures like Jared Golden of Maine and Josh Harder of California are cautious about aligning too closely with the vice president, particularly as they navigate challenging electoral landscapes. Golden, facing a tight race in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, has publicly stated he will not endorse any presidential candidate, raising questions about his support for Harris. Meanwhile, other Democratic candidates, such as Lanon Baccam in Iowa and Adam Frisch in Colorado, are also focusing on local issues rather than national party dynamics. Frisch, who is vying for an open seat in Colorado, emphasized his commitment to addressing inflation and other pressing concerns for his constituents, regardless of the presidential race outcome. As the November 5 election approaches, the Harris-Walz campaign enjoys a favorable early phase, but the reluctance of some Democrats to embrace Harris's record highlights the complexities of the current political climate.