Biden’s withdrawal shifts political landscape as Democrats rally behind Harris in U.S. presidential race

Political analysts are noting significant changes in American politics following Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the presidential race. Eiríkur Bergmann, a political science professor, commented that the landscape has shifted dramatically in recent weeks, with individuals who previously supported other candidates rallying behind Donald Trump.

Bergmann pointed to the surge in Trump’s support, noting that many who had opposed him are now backing him. He emphasized that the Democratic Party now faces a pivotal moment to introduce a new candidate, likely Kamala Harris, the current Vice President, as Biden has publicly endorsed her. Harris is working to gain widespread support from Democrats ahead of the party’s convention on August 19.

While Harris is expected to receive the Democratic nomination, her path is fraught with challenges, especially in recapturing the substantial lead that Trump has established. She faces various obstacles, including fundraising technicalities and the ingrained resistance that Hillary Clinton encountered during her candidacy in 2016.

Trump’s recent behavior has also been scrutinized; following a recent assassination attempt, he appeared to adopt a more moderate tone, pledging to unite the country. However, experts like Bergmann are skeptical that this change is permanent, suggesting that Trump is likely to revert to a more aggressive stance as the campaign progresses.

In comparing candidates, Bergmann noted that Harris may have more unifying appeal than Clinton did, as she lacks the long-standing opposition that plagued Clinton’s campaign. As tensions rise, the upcoming presidential race is set to be pivotal for both parties, with everyone’s eyes on how Harris navigates these complex dynamics.