Kathmandu: Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign has raised $200 million since she emerged as the likely Democratic presidential nominee last week, marking an impressive start in her race against Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump. The campaign, which announced the latest fundraising total on Sunday, noted that 66% of the donations came from first-time contributors in the 2024 election cycle. This surge in contributions followed President Joe Biden's exit from the race and his endorsement of Harris.

Over 170,000 volunteers have also signed up to assist the Harris campaign with activities such as phone banking, canvassing, and other get-out-the-vote efforts. With Election Day just 100 days away, Michael Tyler, the campaign's communications director, emphasized the importance of their strategy in a memo: "The momentum and energy for Vice President Harris is real — and so are the fundamentals of this race: this election will be very close and decided by a small number of voters in just a few states."

Harris campaigned in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, on Saturday, drawing hundreds to a fundraiser initially organized when Biden was still the top Democratic candidate. The fundraiser, which was expected to raise $400,000, ultimately brought in about $1.4 million, according to the campaign.

Following Biden's withdrawal, Harris quickly garnered Democratic support, including endorsements from prominent figures such as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, former House Minority Whip Jim Clyburn, former President Bill Clinton, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Barack Obama and Michelle Obama also endorsed Harris on Friday.

Despite her rapid rise, Harris described her campaign as the "underdog" but noted that it was gaining momentum. Future Forward, the largest super PAC in Democratic politics, secured $150 million in commitments within the first 24 hours after Biden endorsed Harris.

Democratic House and Senate candidates have also reported a surge in support since Harris emerged as the party's likely nominee. A new Wall Street Journal poll showed Harris closing Biden's six-point deficit with Trump to just two points, with increased support from Black, Latino, and young voters. However, Republican pollster David Lee cautioned Democrats about the tightening race, noting that Trump remains in a strong position due to the Electoral College system.

As the Democratic convention approaches in mid-August, the party aims to maintain the momentum behind Harris's candidacy. The final result on November 5 will likely hinge on around 100,000 independent, undecided voters in key battleground states. Democratic strategist James Carville has warned of the challenges ahead, urging the party to prepare for intensified Republican attacks.

Trump, whose favorability ratings have risen since the July 13 assassination attempt and the successful Republican convention, has begun targeting Harris at rallies, branding her as a "crazy liberal" and a "radical left lunatic." Despite these attacks, Harris's campaign remains focused on building support and maintaining its current momentum.