The Unexpected Term Democrats Frequently Employ to Characterize Kamala Harris' Campaign
Fans are expressing their enthusiasm in highly flattering terms. However, her success hinges on winning first.
TroibNews 
**CHICAGO** — “With this election,” Kamala Harris said Thursday night, “our nation has a precious, fleeting opportunity to move past the bitterness, cynicism and divisive battles of the past.”
Amid the energized throngs at the Democratic National Convention, just moments after Harris officially accepted her presidential nomination and delegates raised signs emblazoned with her name, she quickly pointed to a loftier aim. “A chance,” she noted, three key letters capitalized in her written remarks, “to chart a New Way Forward.”
This kind of rhetoric spurred discussions this week about not only an invigorated campaign but something far grander. Throughout the United Center, convention center, and various delegate-housing hotels, the atmosphere buzzed with speculation. People wondered whether Harris could emerge as not just a presidential candidate but indeed the leader of a significant political movement.
The ultimate answer remains uncertain, of course. First and foremost, Harris must secure a victory over Donald Trump. Political history shows that those who lose elections rarely lead sustained movements. With the nation deeply divided, the upcoming election is almost sure to be closely contested due to the Electoral College’s skewed representation favoring a select few states. The most honest verdict on her potential? We may need to wait 30 years for clarity; history often reveals its true significance in hindsight.
Yet, fueled by impressive fundraising, increasing crowds, rising polling numbers, and a TikTok presence engaging younger voters, questions about Harris’s transformative potential abound. With less than two months since Joe Biden’s politically detrimental debate performance and his subsequent endorsement of her, some are pondering whether Harris could evolve from a mere fallback candidate to a figure capable of reshaping the political landscape.
“I think she already is,” said Maryland Governor Wes Moore on Wednesday morning after addressing Georgia delegates. “I think what we’re seeing right now is not just about a political campaign. I think what we’re seeing right now is the American people have a choice about what type of country that we want to be. That,” he said, “is a movement.”
The concept of a movement can be elusive—championed by ardent supporters and dismissed by skeptics. Nevertheless, the air was alive with the sentiment of possibility at the convention, prompting inquiries about its legitimacy: Really?
“A big part of it is being able to get into the culture, break into the culture, and you can bridge that gap between cool and consciousness, and those lines are blurred between pop culture and the campaign,” noted Maxwell Frost of Florida, the first Gen Z member of Congress, when I encountered him at the CNN/PMG Grill adjacent to the arena. “Then you have a movement candidate.”
Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, a potential choice for Harris’ running mate, expressed amazement at the enthusiastic crowds Harris drew in his state. “I’ve never seen energy like that,” Kelly remarked. “I’ve been doing this a while, and I’ve never seen this kind of energy, and this is August. Think about what October’s going to be like.”
In contrast, Scott Jennings, a former adviser to Mitch McConnell and current CNN analyst, offered skepticism. “I think these people are high on their own supply,” he said. “Also, what does she stand for?” Jennings questioned. “She’s slightly younger than Joe Biden. That’s what she stands for?” he said. “Come on. You’re going to have to win an election before you’re leading a movement.”
I reached out to top Trump adviser Chris LaCivita for his perspective on the movement narrative. He responded dismissively, claiming the vice president “broke the economy,” “broke the border,” and “broke world stability.” “Absolutely!” he declared. “If you liked Joe Biden, you are going to love Kamala Harris.”
A political movement transcends mere electoral campaigns, representing a unique blend of individual and moment—one that taps into emerging cultural sentiments and inspires unprecedented levels of support, ultimately leading to significant historical change. Figures like Franklin D. Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan are often cited as architects of movements, reshaping the political landscape beyond single election cycles.
“At times,” Democratic strategist Doug Sosnik remarked about Harris and her candidacy in a recent memo, “it appears that she is leading more of a movement than a political campaign.” He highlighted that while Harris isn’t quite at the level of being a movement leader, she could soon be. “But she has been making strides, and she could by the end of the month — particularly if the convention goes well in Chicago — she could be at a point where she’s a head of a movement, which is bigger than a candidate, and that’s pretty much unstoppable.”
Sosnik emphasized the importance of timing and how America is yearning for generational change. “There’s a yearning in America to move generationally,” he explained. “She has the potential of being the right person at the right place at the right time to be able to translate this campaign into something bigger than just the campaign.”
Hank Sheinkopf, a seasoned Democratic strategist, drew parallels to historical leaders. “She is closer to JFK,” he proposed, referencing a new generation in response to shifting global and economic landscapes. “The political and the social are united in the Harris moment,” he stated. “A return to a war against poverty. The continuation of the Cold War. A fight for Medicare all over again.”
Stefan Smith argued for an even broader perspective, tracing potential movements back to FDR. “FDR didn’t know what was going to happen in 1932. All he knew was it’s a crisis, the country’s in danger, and people have given me what seems like an improbable-for-the-time landslide victory, and now I have to use this power to do the right thing,” he noted, suggesting that we are witnessing the birth of something new. “My bet is that on the other side we are looking at Kamala wins and a 1932 situation.”
Sosnik acknowledged the historical significance of figures like Roosevelt and Reagan. “Roosevelt was the dominant figure in American politics until Reagan,” he noted. “Now?”
What evidence supports the emergence of a Harris-led movement? Harris’s campaign is amassing record-breaking sums of money, outpacing Biden’s fundraising efforts within just days. The influx of volunteers overwhelms party infrastructure in numerous locations, and she fills arenas in swing states reminiscent of Trump’s campaign energy—drawing substantial crowds in locations like Milwaukee, where Republicans recently gathered.
Hillary Clinton remarked during her Monday speech, “Something is happening,” while Joe Biden outlined a consequential moment in history. “We face an inflection point,” he said. Michelle Obama echoed the sentiment of change, and Pete Buttigieg emphasized a departure from darkness. Representative Mikie Sherrill remarked on the shift during a post-event gathering, where someone shouted “Movement!” in the crowd, prompting her to affirm the collective hope for real change.
“We need a little more time to see how this sets up, but it feels like it’s getting enough fuel to tip over into something more like a movement than a campaign,” said Jim Margolis, longtime strategist and adviser to Democratic candidates.
“Kamala represents a shift, a change, the torch being passed — it’s a new generation of leadership that she is ushering in,” stated Bakari Sellers, a former South Carolina state legislator and co-chair for Harris’s 2020 campaign.
Frost emphasized the allure of belonging to something larger. “The big crowds at these rallies,” he explained, “show what a movement candidate is.”
Can Harris foster an effective movement that expands its coalition and empowers down-ballot candidates for the long term? Jennings expressed that while optimism is vital, it doesn’t inherently signify a movement.
“Not sure what the movement is she’s leading other than anti-Trump,” remarked GOP consultant Mike Madrid.
As South Carolina-based GOP consultant Chip Felkel put it, “TBD. But she’s tapped into the country’s desire for civility. A lot of voters are tired of the vitriol, the name-calling and the polarization,” he said. “Her movement, if you call it that, is not about policy as much as it is about just human decency.”
“I see a nation ready to move forward,” Harris said as she concluded her speech Thursday night. “Ready for the next step.” She specifically referenced future generations. “On behalf of our children and grandchildren,” she added, “we must be worthy of this moment.”
As red, white, and blue balloons cascaded from the ceiling and Beyoncé's “Freedom” played, the spirited crowd filed out of the arena, signaling the approach of Election Day in 74 days.
Alejandro Jose Martinez contributed to this report for TROIB News
Amid the energized throngs at the Democratic National Convention, just moments after Harris officially accepted her presidential nomination and delegates raised signs emblazoned with her name, she quickly pointed to a loftier aim. “A chance,” she noted, three key letters capitalized in her written remarks, “to chart a New Way Forward.”
This kind of rhetoric spurred discussions this week about not only an invigorated campaign but something far grander. Throughout the United Center, convention center, and various delegate-housing hotels, the atmosphere buzzed with speculation. People wondered whether Harris could emerge as not just a presidential candidate but indeed the leader of a significant political movement.
The ultimate answer remains uncertain, of course. First and foremost, Harris must secure a victory over Donald Trump. Political history shows that those who lose elections rarely lead sustained movements. With the nation deeply divided, the upcoming election is almost sure to be closely contested due to the Electoral College’s skewed representation favoring a select few states. The most honest verdict on her potential? We may need to wait 30 years for clarity; history often reveals its true significance in hindsight.
Yet, fueled by impressive fundraising, increasing crowds, rising polling numbers, and a TikTok presence engaging younger voters, questions about Harris’s transformative potential abound. With less than two months since Joe Biden’s politically detrimental debate performance and his subsequent endorsement of her, some are pondering whether Harris could evolve from a mere fallback candidate to a figure capable of reshaping the political landscape.
“I think she already is,” said Maryland Governor Wes Moore on Wednesday morning after addressing Georgia delegates. “I think what we’re seeing right now is not just about a political campaign. I think what we’re seeing right now is the American people have a choice about what type of country that we want to be. That,” he said, “is a movement.”
The concept of a movement can be elusive—championed by ardent supporters and dismissed by skeptics. Nevertheless, the air was alive with the sentiment of possibility at the convention, prompting inquiries about its legitimacy: Really?
“A big part of it is being able to get into the culture, break into the culture, and you can bridge that gap between cool and consciousness, and those lines are blurred between pop culture and the campaign,” noted Maxwell Frost of Florida, the first Gen Z member of Congress, when I encountered him at the CNN/PMG Grill adjacent to the arena. “Then you have a movement candidate.”
Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, a potential choice for Harris’ running mate, expressed amazement at the enthusiastic crowds Harris drew in his state. “I’ve never seen energy like that,” Kelly remarked. “I’ve been doing this a while, and I’ve never seen this kind of energy, and this is August. Think about what October’s going to be like.”
In contrast, Scott Jennings, a former adviser to Mitch McConnell and current CNN analyst, offered skepticism. “I think these people are high on their own supply,” he said. “Also, what does she stand for?” Jennings questioned. “She’s slightly younger than Joe Biden. That’s what she stands for?” he said. “Come on. You’re going to have to win an election before you’re leading a movement.”
I reached out to top Trump adviser Chris LaCivita for his perspective on the movement narrative. He responded dismissively, claiming the vice president “broke the economy,” “broke the border,” and “broke world stability.” “Absolutely!” he declared. “If you liked Joe Biden, you are going to love Kamala Harris.”
A political movement transcends mere electoral campaigns, representing a unique blend of individual and moment—one that taps into emerging cultural sentiments and inspires unprecedented levels of support, ultimately leading to significant historical change. Figures like Franklin D. Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan are often cited as architects of movements, reshaping the political landscape beyond single election cycles.
“At times,” Democratic strategist Doug Sosnik remarked about Harris and her candidacy in a recent memo, “it appears that she is leading more of a movement than a political campaign.” He highlighted that while Harris isn’t quite at the level of being a movement leader, she could soon be. “But she has been making strides, and she could by the end of the month — particularly if the convention goes well in Chicago — she could be at a point where she’s a head of a movement, which is bigger than a candidate, and that’s pretty much unstoppable.”
Sosnik emphasized the importance of timing and how America is yearning for generational change. “There’s a yearning in America to move generationally,” he explained. “She has the potential of being the right person at the right place at the right time to be able to translate this campaign into something bigger than just the campaign.”
Hank Sheinkopf, a seasoned Democratic strategist, drew parallels to historical leaders. “She is closer to JFK,” he proposed, referencing a new generation in response to shifting global and economic landscapes. “The political and the social are united in the Harris moment,” he stated. “A return to a war against poverty. The continuation of the Cold War. A fight for Medicare all over again.”
Stefan Smith argued for an even broader perspective, tracing potential movements back to FDR. “FDR didn’t know what was going to happen in 1932. All he knew was it’s a crisis, the country’s in danger, and people have given me what seems like an improbable-for-the-time landslide victory, and now I have to use this power to do the right thing,” he noted, suggesting that we are witnessing the birth of something new. “My bet is that on the other side we are looking at Kamala wins and a 1932 situation.”
Sosnik acknowledged the historical significance of figures like Roosevelt and Reagan. “Roosevelt was the dominant figure in American politics until Reagan,” he noted. “Now?”
What evidence supports the emergence of a Harris-led movement? Harris’s campaign is amassing record-breaking sums of money, outpacing Biden’s fundraising efforts within just days. The influx of volunteers overwhelms party infrastructure in numerous locations, and she fills arenas in swing states reminiscent of Trump’s campaign energy—drawing substantial crowds in locations like Milwaukee, where Republicans recently gathered.
Hillary Clinton remarked during her Monday speech, “Something is happening,” while Joe Biden outlined a consequential moment in history. “We face an inflection point,” he said. Michelle Obama echoed the sentiment of change, and Pete Buttigieg emphasized a departure from darkness. Representative Mikie Sherrill remarked on the shift during a post-event gathering, where someone shouted “Movement!” in the crowd, prompting her to affirm the collective hope for real change.
“We need a little more time to see how this sets up, but it feels like it’s getting enough fuel to tip over into something more like a movement than a campaign,” said Jim Margolis, longtime strategist and adviser to Democratic candidates.
“Kamala represents a shift, a change, the torch being passed — it’s a new generation of leadership that she is ushering in,” stated Bakari Sellers, a former South Carolina state legislator and co-chair for Harris’s 2020 campaign.
Frost emphasized the allure of belonging to something larger. “The big crowds at these rallies,” he explained, “show what a movement candidate is.”
Can Harris foster an effective movement that expands its coalition and empowers down-ballot candidates for the long term? Jennings expressed that while optimism is vital, it doesn’t inherently signify a movement.
“Not sure what the movement is she’s leading other than anti-Trump,” remarked GOP consultant Mike Madrid.
As South Carolina-based GOP consultant Chip Felkel put it, “TBD. But she’s tapped into the country’s desire for civility. A lot of voters are tired of the vitriol, the name-calling and the polarization,” he said. “Her movement, if you call it that, is not about policy as much as it is about just human decency.”
“I see a nation ready to move forward,” Harris said as she concluded her speech Thursday night. “Ready for the next step.” She specifically referenced future generations. “On behalf of our children and grandchildren,” she added, “we must be worthy of this moment.”
As red, white, and blue balloons cascaded from the ceiling and Beyoncé's “Freedom” played, the spirited crowd filed out of the arena, signaling the approach of Election Day in 74 days.
Alejandro Jose Martinez contributed to this report for TROIB News
