During her address at the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday, former First Lady Michelle Obama delivered a powerful message that encapsulated a growing sentiment within the Democratic Party. “Something wonderfully magical is in the air, isn’t it?” she began. “A familiar feeling that’s been buried too deep for too long.”

Obama continued with an evocative proclamation: “You know what I’m talking about? It’s the contagious power of hope!” She further asserted, “America, hope is making a comeback.”

Her speech drew a parallel with Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign, which was characterized by its promise of hope and change. This rhetoric, however, appeared to subtly critique Joe Biden’s presidency, suggesting a waning of hope under his leadership and positioning Kamala Harris as the catalyst for its resurgence.

While Democrats have generally avoided publicly acknowledging dissatisfaction with Biden’s presidency, Obama’s comments highlighted a stark shift in party dynamics. Prior to Biden’s underwhelming debate performance against Donald Trump in June, there were already concerns about his polling numbers and the growing sense of potential defeat. Although the mood has since improved with Harris’s candidacy, few within the party have openly discussed the previous bleak outlook.

Obama’s speech underscored a significant transformation in the presidential race over the past month. Harris has emerged as the embodiment of change and renewal, despite being the incumbent vice president. Her youth and the historic nature of her candidacy contribute to this perception, setting her apart from her opponent, Donald Trump, who has been a fixture in American politics for the past decade.

Trump’s preoccupation with revisiting past controversies and his extensive political record contrast sharply with Harris’s fresh perspective. In times of public dissatisfaction, a new and less established candidate often has an advantage. Harris’s relative novelty allows her to represent a hopeful future without the baggage of past disappointments.

Barack Obama once noted in his 2006 book, The Audacity of Hope, that he served as a “blank screen” onto which various political viewpoints could project. Harris seems to be benefiting from a similar phenomenon. Her candidacy offers a renewed sense of optimism to those disillusioned with Biden’s administration.

This shift was evident at the convention, where both Senator Bernie Sanders and former American Express CEO Ken Chenault spoke highly of Harris. Additionally, protests regarding Biden’s policies on Israel have been notably subdued at the convention, further reflecting Harris’s emerging role as a beacon of change.

However, Harris’s position as the incumbent vice president presents a double-edged sword. While her experience under Biden’s administration is advantageous, it also exposes her to criticism linking her to his administration’s record. The Trump campaign has sought to tie Harris to Biden’s challenges, including inflation and foreign policy issues.

As Harris navigates these complexities, her primary challenge will be maintaining her image as a symbol of hope and progress, rather than being seen as a continuation of the past. The evolving political landscape continues to test her ability to balance the benefits of incumbency with the need to present a forward-looking vision to voters.