Kamala Harris' sudden political rise is paying homage to that of one other politician, New Zealand's Jacinda Ardern

Kamala Harris' rapid, unexpected transformation from an unremarkable vp to a headline-dominating Democratic presidential candidate has turned the 2024 election on its head in only just a few weeks.

Across the Pacific, Harris' story may resonate with New Zealanders. like mesee the parallels with Jacinda Ardern, a young, politically savvy Liberal, and her sudden rise to the highest of her party in 2017. Ardern's rapid rise shattered the preconceived notion that her political party was facing a decisive defeat within the upcoming election.

Since President Joe Biden announced on July 21, 2024that he won’t run for re-election, Harris the gap closed in no less than one major poll between Biden and Republican candidate Donald Trump. Harris also brought an increase in Donations and volunteer registrationsreceived support from 99% of the delegates of the Democratic National Committee and was praised for the enjoyment of the campaign and for Giving Democratic voters hope.

Ardern similarly became party leader and candidate for prime minister after 52-year-old New Zealand Labour Party leader Andrew Little saw no path to victory and resigned. just seven weeks before the elections in September 2017.

Ardern’s last-minute promotion gave the campaign an energy boost and imbued it with what Ardern called “tireless positivity.“ Ardern quickly united her party And when the votes were finally counted and a coalition was formed, he secured the highest job of prime minister.

Ardern’s stormy campaign and her time in office also highlight a few of the pitfalls that other female leaders like Harris may face, including the pressure to function competent and personable while warding off hateful attacks.

No way ahead

In the primary months of 2017, it seemed as if the centre-right National Party in New Zealand would win re-election after nine years at the top of the federal government.

After months of gloomy poll resultsLittle, the leader of the Labour Party, believed his party would lose the election.

Little also trailed his deputy Ardern in preferred prime minister polls – despite Arderns repeated Explanations that she didn’t want to develop into Prime Minister.

Little resigns on July 31, 2017. Within just a few hours unanimously nominated Ardern as her successor.

Ardern, then 37, accepted the nomination. She promised that she and her team would “positive, organized and prepared.” She gave herself three days to revise the campaign.

A campaign of unity

By appealing to voters and specializing in positives, Ardern’s short campaign united a celebration known for fierce power struggles.

What followed may sound familiar to many individuals who follow American politics closely. Ardern launched her campaign with a photograph of herself smiling and captioned it:Let's do it.” She held full of life campaign rallies across the country. And the general public responded.

As a culture, we New Zealanders often avoid exuberance. The phenomenon of “Jacindamania“ was remarkable.

Crowds flocked for Selfies with Ardern. Ardern's face was glued Were and appeared in political memes above Social Media.

Donations and volunteer registrations for the Labour Party storms. The same applies Donations to the opposing national partybecause Ardern had sparked an actual rivalry.

A shared message of joy

As a candidate for prime minister, Ardern cultivated and promoted her own brand of “relentless positivity,” as she described it.

The opposition tried to portray them as inexperienced and superficial after which began Attack indicators – milder than what US voters expect from a political campaign, but a rarity in New Zealand politics.

The attacks did little to Ardern's stardustIf anything, the jibes were at odds along with her positive messages. Ardern's Facebook Lives with supporters were consistently upbeat. Her interviews and press conferences combined Charm with detailed political knowledge.

It seems that New Zealanders felt a “relentless positivity” attributable to Ardern’s charisma. Her opponent, in his own words, “specialized in being boring.“ A prominent journalist wrote of a “Mood for change”, although the economy overall by most standards strongA Despite the actual estate crisis.

Harris' early poll gains over Trump suggest an identical story. sexist and racist attacks against Harris seem largely fall flatno less than thus far.

Instead, Memes and clips from Harris dances, Laugh and in conversation with large crowds of supporters have gone viral.

Harris responded to Trump’s attacks, dismissing him as “the same old show.”

Development of gender policy

Gender stereotypes still play a task in voters’ perception of politicians. Both Democratic and Republican politicians are perceived as more liberal than their male colleagues. But also in a study in 35 countries In many countries – including New Zealand, but not the United States – parties led by women are seen as “less extreme.”

Both Ardern and Harris are liberals with relatively moderate voting habits. Trump's attempts to portray Harris as “radical left lunatic” not at peace along with her former prosecutor Login information and Offers to corporations.

Ardern’s advantage was that she Voters within the centre and people further to the left. She did this by showing kindness and positivity are central features of their campaignwhile additionally they made controversial demands, similar to coming out against the tax reformwhat frustrated some within the hope of more progressive leadership.

Harris may additionally have a likelihood to win over each middle and center voters and offer a greater alternative to Trump.

Lessons for American voters

Should Harris achieve success in her presidential candidacy, Ardern's experience warns of caution.

Ardern was the goal of unprecedented violent hate speech, misogyny And Death threats. This deteriorated during her term in office and reached its peak during a violent Occupation of Parliament by protesters in search of to lift the country's COVID-19 restrictions.

By 2023, Ardern’s Support had declinedand predicted the autumn of her party from the leadership.

Disinformation researcher Kate Hannah suspected that violent statements against Ardern contributed to her decision to resign In January 2023. At the time, Ardern said: “I know what this job requires and I know that I no longer have enough strength to do it justice.”

Republicans' attacks on Harris could also be less effective now, because they’ve less time to etch themselves into voters' minds. But as time goes on, the attacks have gotten more frequent.

Ardern's last-minute rise to the highest may serve for example for some Democrats to follow in November, but Ardern's story raises concerns for those hoping for a less vicious policy.