Ground Game: DNC kicks off, Harris and the ‘uncommitted’ movement, Trump’s struggles

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Plus, Harris hopes to make inroads with ‘uncommitted’ movement, and Trump struggles to adjust to 2024’s new reality{beacon}

By Meg Kinnard

August 19, 2024 08:26:49 AM

By Meg Kinnard

August 19, 2024 08:26:49 AM

  

The political whiplash of the last month culminates in a Democratic National Convention that begins Monday in Chicago, a four-day gathering of activists and party leaders designed to celebrate and strengthen Vice President Kamala Harris as President Joe Biden's replacement at the top of their ticket and boost her campaign to defeat Republican Donald Trump in November.

Welcome to this week’s edition of AP Ground Game.

 

THE HEADLINES

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris arrives at Pittsburgh International Airport, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

The Democratic convention gets underway

The Democratic Party reintroduces itself to a divided nation this week, having been transformed by the money, momentum, relief and even joy that followed Vice President Kamala Harris' rise to the top of its ticket.

Just beneath the surface, questions loom about the depth of Harris' newfound support, the breadth of her coalition and the strength of her movement. Not even a month ago, Democrats were deeply divided over foreign policy, political strategy and Biden himself.

Far from the formality that many modern party conventions have become, this week's event will bring many Americans their first extended look at Harris and her new running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. How the Democrats present Harris and Walz will be critical, especially