As President Joe Biden faces mounting pressure to step aside, Vice President Kamala Harris’ potential ascendancy to the top of the Democratic ticket is not a foregone conclusion. Despite being the presumptive heir, Harris’ path to the presidency is fraught with challenges and doubts among Democrats.
Concerns Over Harris’ Viability
- Polling and Perceptions: Recent polls suggest that Harris and Biden perform similarly against former President Donald Trump, with both Democrats trailing slightly. Notably, influential Democrats and donors remain skeptical of Harris’ viability. Critics, including Democratic megadonor John Morgan, question her authenticity and electability.
- Past Campaign Struggles: Harris’ previous presidential bid faltered early, plagued by inconsistent messaging and a lack of campaign coherence. Her attempt to launch a successful campaign was hindered by internal issues, including staff turnover and ineffective strategy.
- Public and Donor Sentiment: Prominent Democrats, such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have noted a lack of unified support for Harris. Some influential figures are hesitant to back her, preferring to see a broader overhaul of the Democratic ticket rather than merely swapping in Harris.
Harris’ Strengths and Challenges
- Key Voter Support: Harris could leverage support from critical voter blocs, including Black and younger voters, where she has shown stronger performance compared to Biden. However, her candidacy would also be affected by the systemic sexism and racism she has faced throughout her career.
- Management and Internal Relations: Harris has struggled with managing her team, both during her campaign and as vice president. Staff turnover and criticisms of her office’s dysfunction have fueled concerns about her administrative abilities. Additionally, her relationship with Biden’s inner circle remains strained, partly due to past conflicts.
- Policy and Messaging: Harris’ tenure as vice president has seen her tackle challenging portfolios, such as immigration and abortion rights. Her efforts on abortion rights have been particularly noted as a strong suit, potentially enhancing her appeal if she becomes the Democratic nominee. Yet, her work on the southern border has been a point of contention, with Republicans using it to criticize the administration.
The Road Ahead
As the possibility of Biden stepping aside becomes more real, Democrats will need to weigh Harris’ record and the doubts about her candidacy. While some believe she has the potential to unite and energize the party, others remain concerned about her previous performance and her ability to navigate a highly competitive general election.
Harris’ future in the 2024 race will likely hinge on her ability to address these concerns, present a compelling case to voters, and manage her campaign effectively if she does indeed become the party’s nominee.
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