Opinion | Here’s why Kamala Harris can beat Donald Trump

But every job comes with a learning curve. It seems intellectually dishonest to say that 3½ years as the nation’s No 2 have not shaped Harris, a highly educated and successful woman, and turned her into a more complete politician.

Naysayers will argue that her tenure doesn’t support this argument. However, one should not forget that the vice-presidency does not lend itself to standing out or even stepping out of the president’s shadow. The gap between the vice-presidential role and its responsibilities has always been immense. Nelson Rockefeller, when asked about his duties as vice-president, replied: “I go to funerals. I go to earthquakes.”

Now, Harris will step into the limelight, which must be an upgrade over Biden, and thus increase the Democrats’ chances of keeping Trump out of the Oval Office. Updated polls for the battleground states have yet to be published, but Trump has been comfortably leading in most by 5–7 points. However, polling is not destiny. The fluidity of public opinion, especially in the volatile environment of an election year, means that these numbers will shift – not least because it is a new day in Washington.