The Democratic Party is grappling with a potential scenario in which Vice President Kamala Harris may replace President Joe Biden in the run-up to the next election.
According to Daily Mail, Harris's unfavorable ratings and doubts about her electability against Donald Trump pose significant challenges for Democrats.
Democrats are currently considering Vice President Kamala Harris as a potential replacement for President Joe Biden should he decide to step aside ahead of the November election. Despite Harris being a vetted option and her potential election marking a historic event, her unpopularity remains a major concern.
Former Democratic National Committee chairwoman Donna Brazile underscored the complex racial dynamics at play by questioning how party leaders could prioritize other candidates over Harris. The reluctance to bypass Harris, despite more popular and capable contenders like California Governor Gavin Newsom and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, is palpable among Democrats.
Even with prominent support from Democratic leaders such as former Ohio Congressman Tim Ryan and South Carolina Representative James E. Clyburn, skepticism lingers about Harris’s viability as a candidate. A poll conducted by DailyMail.com indicated that Harris would lose to Trump by 11 points if the election were held today, compared to a 5-point deficit for Biden.
Interestingly, former First Lady Michelle Obama fares better in the same poll, trailing Trump by five points, similar to Biden’s performance. Other potential candidates like Whitmer, Newsom, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg are shown losing to Trump by double digits.
James Johnson pointed out the public's strong opposition to Harris, largely due to her high name recognition. Frequent perceptions of incompetence further hinder her electability. Criticism also targets her public speaking and handling of key issues, such as immigration, damaging her image.
Furthermore, voices within the Democratic fundraising and strategy circle, such as Whitney Tilson and Hank Sheinkopf, have publicly expressed doubts about Harris’s likelihood of defeating Trump. Tilson identified Harris as one of the least likely contenders to win based on various poll results, personal feedback, and observations.
The legacy of Harris’s 2020 presidential campaign, which ended prematurely before the first primary, still shadows her current standing. Reportedly, even First Lady Jill Biden was displeased by Harris’s aggressive stance against President Biden during the 2020 primaries.
Under heavy pressure from the party to select a Black woman, Biden eventually chose Harris as his running mate. He indicated his intention to serve a single term, describing himself as a "bridge" to future leadership.
Republican strategist Scott Jennings pointed out the dilemma Biden faces. Not ceding leadership to Harris would imply she was never a qualified candidate, a move that could have profound political repercussions.
Another layer of complexity involves Federal Election Commission rules, which allocate the $91.2 million raised by Biden's campaign exclusively to Harris, should she run. This provision complicates any attempt to nominate another candidate.
In summary, with Biden’s future still uncertain, Democrats are considering Harris as a possible successor, but her negative public image and polling performance pose significant challenges. The complicated interplay of race, financial rules, and party unity continues to shape this critical political decision.
