The pressures, hopes, and aspirations weighed heavily on Harris at the Democratic convention as she tried to introduce herself to a nation and party that barely knows her. If she and Biden win in November, she will continue to carry this burden for the next four years. It is rare for a vice-presidential candidate to serve under a presidential nominee who may not seek a second term, so Harris faces high expectations from her party to demonstrate strong leadership. Tim Kaine, who was Hillary Clinton's vice-presidential candidate in 2016, acknowledged that this is a significant challenge for Harris. In the chaotic environment of the constantly changing Democratic Party, he explained that there was no one person Biden could have chosen that would please everyone. He expressed his enthusiasm for Harris while acknowledging that it was impossible to have universal approval within the party. The first two days of the convention focused on presenting a united front of moderates, progressives, Republicans, and democratic socialists, despite some disagreements. The Democrats highlighted diversity in race, gender, and age while nominating a 77-year-old white grandfather from Delaware as their candidate. The party included liberals in their lineup but did not prioritize their policy goals, such as "Medicare for All." Currently, the party's main focus is on defeating President Donald Trump above all else. However, if the Democrats are successful, Trump will no longer be in power. This will present a new challenge for Harris, who is expected to be a unifying figure for the Democratic Party and the face of its future. Harris, like all vice-presidential candidates, will be evaluated in various ways in the upcoming weeks: her campaigning skills, ability to engage with Trump, debating Pence, and mobilizing voter turnout, especially among younger and progressive voters who may not be enthusiastic about supporting Biden during a pandemic. As a woman of color running for a position historically held by white men, Harris may also face judgment based on deep-rooted biases that still exist in certain parts of the country. Harris has addressed this issue directly to her Democratic audience and may need to continue doing so in the future. "We must elect a president who will bring about positive change and important work," she stated from Wilmington. The text discusses the importance of electing a president who can bring people together regardless of race and background, emphasizing the need for unity in achieving a shared future. It highlights the challenges faced by Kamala Harris as she enters a crucial moment in her career, questioning her ability to navigate the changing political landscape and potentially step into the Oval Office if needed. Harris's speech addresses the impact of the pandemic, criticizing the current president's response and highlighting issues of structural racism and police violence. She calls for unity and justice, referencing victims such as George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. However, she also dedicated a significant amount of time to discussing the importance of family and friendships, as well as highlighting her background as a prosecutor advocating for individuals and victims. She proudly stated, "I know a predator when I see one." Her nomination as the first Black woman and first person of Indian descent to potentially serve as vice president was met with great enthusiasm and highlighted the significance of this historic choice, particularly in light of the demographic shifts occurring in the country. Following a primary dominated by older white candidates, her selection as a 55-year-old woman of color indicated that the Democratic Party's leadership is beginning to reflect the changing population. Known for her strong debating skills and eloquence, she made a lasting impression during her brief presidential campaign and as a member of the Judiciary Committee questioning Attorney General William Barr. There is no doubt among Democrats that she will continue the tradition of vice-presidential candidates criticizing the opposition. She stated, "Donald Trump's lack of leadership has resulted in loss of lives and jobs. The ongoing chaos leaves us feeling lost, incompetence breeds fear, and callousness makes us feel isolated." Running a campaign in California can be tough, but battling on a national stage, especially in today's polarized political climate, is even more challenging. Kamala Harris faced competitive contests in California, but her presidential campaign struggled early on due to internal conflicts and a lack of a clear message. Patti Solis Doyle, who managed Clinton's 2008 campaign, highlighted the enthusiasm Harris brought to the presidential race, evidenced by the $48 million raised in 48 hours after her announcement. Harris, the daughter of immigrants from India and Jamaica, has excited voters with the possibility of being the first African American woman or American Indian woman on a national ticket. Tim Kaine mentioned that Harris could attract a new generation of voters who are looking for change, while older voters appreciate Joe Biden's centrist views and commitment to restoring civility and stability to government. "There is a portion of the Democratic electorate, particularly older voters, who are looking for competence, character, and traditional values in the next President," he stated. "However, they also want someone who can bring excitement and energy, which Kamala Harris does. But Harris faces a challenge in responding to the growing influence of the left-wing within the party. While Biden secured the nomination with support from Black voters, older voters, and white suburbanites, younger and more liberal voters were doubtful of his centrist approach and bipartisanship. Harris, being from California, is more aligned with the left, but her selection did not ease concerns among many liberal Democrats, especially regarding her record on policing issues." Waleed Shahid, a spokesperson for Justice Democrats, stated that while party establishment supports her, Kamala Harris is not favored by the party's base, especially younger Democrats. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez did not mention Joe Biden or Harris when nominating Bernie Sanders, highlighting the divide within the party. This dissent has been overshadowed during the convention due to the party's desire to defeat Trump, but may resurface if Democrats win. Harris will need to navigate this division carefully to avoid a primary challenge from the left in the future. Varshini Prakash, the executive director of the Sunrise Movement, a group of young climate activists, expressed that Kamala Harris' nomination as the Democratic Party's vice presidential candidate is a significant moment that has energized Democrats of all ages and beliefs. Prakash believes that Harris could be a representation of the future direction of the Democratic Party, but notes that the party is much more diverse ideologically than just the Harris ticket. Harris herself seems confident in her role, drawing inspiration from former President Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. She has gained national recognition through Joe Biden's selection of her as his running mate, and has received widespread support within the party. However, challenges are expected in the coming weeks and beyond if she is elected. However, at this moment, Kamala Harris took the opportunity to address Democrats with a message of unity and hope for the future during a pandemic. She positioned herself as a new leader of the party in a nation grappling with an uncertain future. (c.2020 The New York Times Company)