Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign has made a remarkable start, raising $200 million in its first week. This impressive fundraising effort comes as Harris steps in as the likely Democratic presidential nominee following President Joe Biden's announcement that he will not seek re-election.
The campaign has reported that 66% of the donations were from first-time contributors in this election cycle, showcasing a surge of new support for Harris.
Kamala Harris questioned my loyalty to America. I enlisted in the Marines for this country. I went to Iraq for this country. I built a business for this country. And my running mate took a bullet for this country. What the hell has Kamala done to question our loyalty to America? pic.twitter.com/WykF5pRY4Y
— JD Vance (@JDVance) July 28, 2024
In her first major fundraising event in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, Harris attracted hundreds of supporters and raised approximately $1.4 million, far exceeding the initial $400,000 target set when Biden was still considered the Democratic frontrunner. This event is part of a broader effort, with about 2,300 organizing events held in battleground states over the weekend.
Harris' campaign is emphasizing grassroots support, with volunteers engaged in phone banking, canvassing, and other get-out-the-vote activities. Michael Tyler, the campaign’s communications director, noted the significant momentum and energy behind Harris, predicting a close and competitive election.
Kamala Harris isn’t even black… she’s Indian. She locked up over 1,500 people for weed related crimes and then laughed about it years later. The worst VP in American History.
Trump 2024 pic.twitter.com/UZZIg4KkxG
— Lil Pump (@lilpump) July 28, 2024
Despite the enthusiasm among Harris supporters, the Republican camp, led by former President Donald Trump and his running mate Senator JD Vance, has ramped up efforts to portray Harris as a far-left politician out of touch with mainstream America. Vance dismissed Harris' initial fundraising success as a temporary bump, while Trump and his allies have criticized her positions on law enforcement and abortion.
Harris, a staunch advocate for abortion rights, has signaled that this issue will be a central plank of her campaign, contrasting sharply with the Republican stance.
Trump and his allies are focusing on what they see as the failures of the Biden administration, including the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan and Harris' handling of Middle Eastern conflicts.
As the campaign progresses, both sides are preparing for an intense battle in key swing states. With just 100 days until Election Day, Harris' team is leveraging the early fundraising success and volunteer support to build a robust ground game. The campaign’s next steps will likely focus on maintaining momentum and addressing the critiques from the opposition.
