This is a new dynamic (presidential race). Many of us on the ground have been holding our breaths. There has been a funereal depression. Suddenly we can breathe. Nobody knows anything about Harris, really. She hasn't been one of those visible vice presidents. Biden didn't do for her what Obama did for Biden. Obama gave Biden a highly visible role in which the VP seemed to be very effective. Harris has been largely behind the curtain. Look past her race and her gender. That's not the formula. She was a very effective prosecutor...so effective that when she ran in the primary against Biden progressives discounted her. She was too tough on crime. She has been a senator. In that role, she handled herself skillfully. She has been vice president. Over the last four years her public speaking skills have matured. She is highly articulate. Thinks on her feet. Put her up against a rambling, vituperative Trump and she will look very, very good.
Add to all of that the issues. Trump's tax policies favor the wealthy, not the middle class. His tariff proposal would be highly inflationary. He was a union buster. He, and he alone is responsible for the Dobbs decision. He has promised to be a dictator, take us out of NATO (or at least neuter NATO). He is pro big pharma. He wants to gut the Affordable Health Care plan. I won't go on. All Harris has to do is make clear the differences. Now that big ticket donors are back in the Democratic fold, she will be able to do what Biden couldn't do.
There is an enormous amount of enthusiasm for this candidacy among the base. It is an enthusiasm that will match Trump's base, without the religious (that is cultist) fervor of his MAGA followers.
Can't wait for that debate. I'm guessing he won't have the nerve to go up against her. He is going to beg off, claiming he promised to debate Biden, not Harris.
These are just a few of my friendly thoughts in response to your post and comments I've read here.
Hope you all have a great day.