Trump’s usual sexist sneers don’t work against Harris — and to top it off, she’s laughing at him

Younger, slicker and more telegenic than her rival, the Democratic candidate really might just beat him

Kamala Harris is Trump's worst nightmare: A former attorney general of California in heels, with a corporate image and politics that have been largely in the centre. Picture: Mat Otero/AP

A funny thing happened in the hours after the exit of Joe Biden from the US presidential race and the entrance of Kamala Harris in his place: A huge and genuine surge of excitement for a candidate who had previously failed to inspire. 

This wasn’t just expediency. In the 48 hours after Harris became the Democrats’ presumptive nominee, donations came in amounting to more than $100m (€92.5m) and there was a reported 700% rise in voter registrations. It was overwhelming and igniting; the feeling that this was someone who could actually win.