The buzz at Democratic events these days is palpable. Many insiders and activists are drawing comparisons between the current political climate and the electrifying year of 2008, when Barack Obama made history. With Vice President Kamala Harris now leading the Democratic ticket, there’s a renewed sense of excitement. Here’s a comprehensive look at the parallels between Obama’s 2008 campaign and Harris’ current bid for the presidency, and what it means for the Democrats’ future.
The Revival of 2008 Excitement
Democrats are feeling a familiar surge of energy reminiscent of Obama’s groundbreaking 2008 run. The packed arenas, enthusiastic volunteers, and skyrocketing fundraising numbers are just some of the signs that Harris might be capturing the same spirit.
- Voter Engagement: Just like in 2008, there’s a significant uptick in voter engagement. New volunteers are pouring in, and small-dollar donations have surged. In the past week alone, a third of donations came from first-time contributors.
- Large-Dollar Donors: High-profile donors who had been inactive are now back in the fold, suggesting a strong financial backing for Harris’ campaign.
Key Similarities and Differences
While the excitement mirrors 2008, there are unique aspects to Harris’ campaign that set it apart.
- Unified Party: Unlike the contentious 2008 primaries, Harris’ campaign has benefited from a lack of internal divisions. This unity is partly due to the intense desire to defeat former President Donald Trump.
- Diverse Coalition: Harris is seen as a candidate who can unite various voter groups, including Black, Asian, and female voters, potentially even more effectively than Obama did.
Gillian Rosenberg Armour, Obama’s 2008 deputy political director for Iowa, points out that Harris could harness the same level of voter enthusiasm and unity. The absence of a divisive primary battle and the collective goal to defeat Trump are factors contributing to this optimistic view.
Inspiring New Generations
Harris’ candidacy is particularly energising for younger and minority voters, reminiscent of Obama’s impact in 2008.
- Empowerment of Black Women: At a recent event, Black women leaders expressed how Harris’ nomination resonates deeply with their own struggles and victories. Ann-Marie Herod highlighted the connection to civil rights history, reflecting on how far Black women have come.
- Youth Engagement: Younger voters, much like in 2008, are showing increased involvement and enthusiasm for the campaign.
Lavora Barnes, chair of the Michigan Democratic Party, describes the current mood as “fired up” and even more intense than during Obama’s era, driven by the combined presence of Harris and Tim Walz.
Challenges and Uncertainties
Despite the excitement, Harris faces distinct challenges that Obama did not.
- Shorter Timeline: Harris has had a truncated timeline since taking over the nomination from President Joe Biden. This compressed schedule could either amplify or undermine her campaign’s momentum.
- Political Climate: The current political climate is more divisive than in 2008, with heightened racial and gender tensions. This could impact how Harris’ campaign is received.
Rev. Al Sharpton notes that while the energy feels similar to 2008, the context is much more turbulent due to Trump’s influence and the current divisive political environment.
Fundraising and Crowd Sizes
Fundraising and crowd sizes are key indicators of campaign enthusiasm. Harris’ campaign has seen impressive numbers, but how does it compare to Obama’s?
- Fundraising Records: Chris Korge, a top fundraiser for Obama, claims that the fundraising energy behind Harris is unprecedented, potentially surpassing Obama’s record-breaking numbers. Harris is on track to raise $1 billion by November if the current pace continues.
- Event Attendance: Harris has drawn large crowds, though not as massive as Obama’s 2008 rallies. The true test will be whether she can sustain this enthusiasm and convert it into electoral success.
Pete Giangreco, who worked on both of Obama’s campaigns, agrees that the fundraising and volunteer numbers are impressive but cautions that translating this into a winning campaign requires more than just enthusiasm.
Looking Ahead
The coming weeks will be crucial for Harris. The campaign needs to maintain momentum and translate early excitement into a solid, actionable strategy.
- Debate and Public Appearances: Harris will need to perform well in debates and public appearances to solidify her standing and address any potential weaknesses.
- Sustained Engagement: Keeping the initial excitement alive will be key to replicating Obama’s success. The campaign must leverage the current enthusiasm and build a robust ground game.
Johanna Maska, a director of press advance for Obama’s 2008 campaign, points out that while the initial excitement is promising, Harris needs to sustain this energy and build a solid campaign infrastructure to mirror Obama’s success.
Conclusion
Kamala Harris’ campaign is drawing significant parallels to Barack Obama’s 2008 run, from the surge in volunteerism to the high levels of fundraising. However, the current political climate presents unique challenges. The coming months will reveal whether Harris can convert this initial excitement into a winning strategy.
