The 2024 US presidential race now looks dramatically different compared to just three weeks ago. Democrats will head into the party’s national convention with a new name at the top of the ticket, Vice President Kamala Harris, alongside her newly minted running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. With less than 80 days until Americans head to the polls, all eyes will be on the Democratic National Convention to see how Democrats capitalise on this newfound momentum and navigate the fresh lines of attack being launched by Republican nominee Donald Trump and his allies.

What are the key takeaways from the 2024 Democratic National Convention? What is the Democrats’ strategy for executing the shortest presidential campaign in modern US history? How is the transformed Democratic ticket reshaping the presidential race? What should Australians be watching for in the lead-up to the election?

To answer these questions, USSC hosted a live panel featuring co-host of popular television show “Planet America” on ABC TV Chas Licciardello, USSC Senior Lecturer in American Studies Dr Kathryn Schumaker, and USSC Director of Research Jared Mondschein, in a conversation moderated by USSC Director of Engagement and Impact Mari Koeck.