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Harris Campaign Surges: Record-Breaking Fundraising and Volunteer Influx in First Week

Harris Campaign Surges: Record-Breaking Fundraising and Volunteer Influx in First Week
Monday 29 July 2024 - 12:15
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In a remarkable display of political momentum, Vice President Kamala Harris has surged into the presidential race with unprecedented financial and grassroots support. Within just a week of receiving Joe Biden's endorsement, the Harris campaign reported a staggering $200 million in donations, signaling a potent start to her bid for the White House.

The campaign's success extends beyond mere financial metrics. Michael Tyler, the campaign's communications director, revealed that over 170,000 volunteers have enlisted to support Harris's efforts. These individuals are poised to engage in crucial campaign activities such as phone banking, canvassing, and various get-out-the-vote initiatives.

Perhaps most striking is the composition of Harris's donor base. The campaign reports that an impressive 66% of the total funds raised came from first-time donors, suggesting a broadening appeal and the potential to tap into previously untapped sources of support.

This fundraising juggernaut began with an initial surge of $81 million in the first 24 hours following Biden's endorsement, setting a new record in campaign finance history. The momentum continued with a fundraiser in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, which exceeded expectations by raising $1.4 million, more than tripling its original $400,000 goal.

The Harris campaign isn't alone in its financial success. Future Forward, the largest Super PAC in Democratic politics, announced securing $150 million in donations within the first day after Biden's withdrawal from the race, further bolstering the Democratic war chest.

Adding to the campaign's growing list of endorsements, former Vice President Al Gore threw his support behind Harris on Sunday. Gore, a prominent climate activist, praised Harris's environmental record, stating, "As a prosecutor, Kamala Harris took on Big Oil companies – and won. As vice president, she cast the tie-breaking vote to pass the most significant investment in climate solutions in history, the Inflation Reduction Act."

Gore's endorsement follows those of several environmental groups, including Evergreen and Sierra Club, solidifying Harris's credentials on climate issues. The former vice president emphasized the high stakes of the upcoming election, citing the need to strengthen democracy, expand opportunities for Americans, and accelerate climate action.

As Harris's campaign gains momentum, her likely opponent, Donald Trump, is also ramping up his fundraising efforts. The former president was expected to attend a private fundraising event in Deal, New Jersey, on Sunday. However, recent reports indicate that Trump's main campaign account raised only $21 million in June, significantly less than the $64 million raised by Biden's account in the same period.

The contrast in fundraising prowess becomes even more pronounced in light of Biden's recent debate performance, which reportedly impacted his fundraising negatively. This setback for Biden further underscores the importance of Harris's robust financial start as she steps into the role of presumptive Democratic nominee.

As the 2024 presidential race begins to take shape, Harris's early success in both fundraising and volunteer recruitment suggests a campaign with strong grassroots support and financial backing. However, with months to go before the election, both campaigns will undoubtedly face numerous challenges and shifts in the political landscape.

The coming weeks and months will reveal whether Harris can maintain this initial surge of enthusiasm and translate it into sustained support throughout the long and arduous presidential campaign. As the race heats up, all eyes will be on how both candidates leverage their resources and support to win over the American electorate.

 


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