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Kamala Harris And The Debate That May Have Changed History

In late July 2024, following a disastrous debate performance, questions about his physical and mental health, and polls showing Donald Trump with a lead, President Joe Biden made the announcement that he would not seek reelection, paving the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to carry the Democratic mantle. 

The Harris/Walz campaign’s quick rise in the final stretch before the 2024 election is a testament to both candidates’ political savvy and the unique dynamics of the current political landscape. With only a few months to solidify her platform and win over undecided voters, Kamala Harris has leveraged her past successes and overcome significant challenges to position herself as a strong contender for the presidency.

Harris’ path could have been different

The story of Harris’s political ascent, however, is filled with pivotal moments that could have gone either way. One such moment occurred in her 2010 race for California Attorney General, which almost ended her political career before it had a chance to reach the national stage. The narrow victory in that race was a turning point, showcasing Harris’s resilience and strategic prowess but also highlighting the unpredictable nature of political contests where even the smallest misstep can have far-reaching consequences.

Some context is important. For the past couple of decades, it’s become nearly impossible for a Republican to win a statewide election in California due to the state’s overwhelmingly liberal leanings. In fact, the last to do so was action film legend Arnold Schwarzenegger, who won the governorship twice in the early 2000s thanks to his ability to appeal to voters across the political spectrum. For this reason, when Harris, then-district attorney of San Francisco, ran for California Attorney General, it initially felt like the election was hers for the taking. That is, until Republicans nominated Steve Cooley, the extremely popular, moderate LA County district attorney. 

Harris was on the verge of losing the election. In fact, Cooley was so confident after the polls had closed that he prematurely declared himself the winner. But when the final results came in, Harris eked out a victory by a mere 0.8% in a state where Democrats are accustomed to winning by 20%.