Harris has considered such a move before, but her words today took on new meaning in the presence of Black lawmakers, influential leaders and voters — at an event that could be considered the first major introduction of the Democratic Party's potential 2028 candidates.
“I know what the job is and what it requires,” she told Sharpton at the convention in New York.
Harris was the sixth potential 2028 candidate to take the stage at the conference, participating in a conversation with a well-known U.S. pastor and social activist — a clear signal that no matter who decides to run, no one can ignore the room. Black voters (National Action Network is an organization of black Americans) constitute a huge part of the Democratic electorate and will play a key role in choosing the next presidential candidate.
Harris was received by the audience with the most enthusiasm of any Democrat who appeared earlier this week — including Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Rep. Ro Khanna of California.
At one point, the crowd gathered in the packed hall repeatedly chanted: “Run again! Run again!” Later, the cheers for Harris became so loud that Sharpton jokingly silenced the room.
Harris lashed out at criticizing President Donald Trump — both on Iran, foreign policy and voting rights. But she also noted the impact Trump and the Republican Party had on some nonwhite voters in 2024, when many Black and Latino men decided to leave the Democratic Party.
People close to Harris claim that she has not yet made a decision about running. However, her appearance before a packed convention hall is one of several public appearances planned in the near future, during which Harris is trying to re-introduce herself to voters. She has already announced visits to South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Arkansas.
Harris is leading in several very early polls of Democratic preferences ahead of the 2028 elections, most likely thanks to her name recognition from two previous campaigns for the White House and a four-year term as vice president with Joe Biden.
In many ways, Harris' conversation with Sharpton was reminiscent of a 2024 campaign speech. Beyoncé's “Freedom,” which has become Harris's unofficial 2024 campaign anthem, blared from the speakers, and two screens next to the main stage played a dynamic montage of scenes featuring Sharpton and Harris — something that hadn't been done during speeches by other potential 2028 presidential candidates.
