Caren, your intuition is likely correct.

Harris is floating high because of her quick response and widespread elation upon news of Biden's exit. As you point out, this is significant but insufficient to win the election if held today.

What does Harris do to keep her momentum and, indeed, overtake Trump?

Her first big decision is running mate. Harris should go with youth, talent, and future. This is the antithesis of what the establishment, the groupthink of NYT, Washington Week in Review, etc., advocates.

I hope I am wrong, but Harris will likely go with an old state governor, an astronaut synonymous with the last century, or a perhaps-will-deliver-one-state, Shapiro.

Best.