In an extraordinary turn of events, the 2024 U.S. presidential election has been completely reshaped over the past week, leading to a fundamentally new race just 99 days before Election Day. Vice President Kamala Harris, who stepped in for President Joe Biden, has quickly become a game-changer, smashing fundraising records, dominating social media, and generating immense excitement among Democrats.

Harris' entry into the race has sparked comparisons to the energy that surrounded Barack Obama's historic candidacy nearly two decades ago. With an astonishing $200 million raised in just seven days and more than 170,000 volunteers signing up to support her campaign, Harris has breathed new life into the Democratic Party. Prominent Democrats, including Rep. Jasmine Crockett, predict that Harris could be "Obama on steroids."

On the other side of the political spectrum, Republicans are experiencing a shift in confidence as they face the new reality that former President Donald Trump's victory is no longer guaranteed. The finger-pointing has already begun within the party, with some conservatives openly questioning Trump's vice presidential pick, JD Vance. Vance's relative inexperience and provocative statements have come under scrutiny.

The dramatic shift in the election landscape serves as a reminder that in the Trump era, conventional wisdom is often proven wrong. Although early public polling suggests that Harris is in a slightly better position against Trump than Biden was before withdrawing from the race, the numbers also indicate a close contest in a deeply divided nation.

However, several key questions remain as the 99-day sprint towards Election Day commences. Harris has yet to select a running mate, and Trump has introduced uncertainty regarding the next scheduled debate. Additionally, the potential influence of third-party candidates and the billions of dollars in political advertising yet to be broadcast will further shape the race.

Despite the uncertainty, there is a growing sense of confidence in the Democratic camp. Harris' candidacy has revitalized Democrats and swing voters across the nation. Instead of focusing on questions about age and mental acuity, Democrats are now leaning into issues that allow them to take the offensive. Harris, as a woman and former prosecutor, has particularly targeted the GOP's stance on abortion rights and capitalized on Trump's criminal conviction in New York.

For Trump, frustration has led to abandoning the magnanimous tone he adopted after surviving an assassination attempt. Trump's supporters are now employing a kitchen-sink strategy as they try to find the most effective attacks against Harris. Some conservatives in the pro-Trump MAGA wing are resorting to claims that Harris is a "DEI candidate," suggesting that Democrats only embraced her because of her gender and race.

Despite the challenges, Trump's base remains optimistic about his prospects, even in historically Democratic-leaning states such as Minnesota. However, there are indications that Harris at the top of the ticket could make the race closer, as some voters believe her historic candidacy may inspire more people to vote for her.

As the race continues to unfold, one thing is certain: the 2024 presidential contest has been completely transformed over the past week. With Harris energizing Democrats and Trump's victory no longer assured, the next 99 days will prove crucial in determining the outcome of this highly anticipated election.