In a candid admission, Vice President Kamala Harris acknowledged that President Joe Biden’s debate performance during the 2020 presidential campaign was less than stellar. This revelation comes at a time when the Democratic Party is grappling with concerns about Biden’s age, his approval ratings, and the potential implications for the 2024 election.
Harris’s comments highlight a significant issue for the Biden administration: the question of succession. With Biden set to be 82 years old if he wins a second term, the focus has increasingly shifted to Harris and her readiness to step into the presidential role if necessary. This concern is not just a Republican talking point but a genuine issue that Democrats must address as they prepare for the next election cycle.
During the 2020 campaign, Biden’s choice of Harris as his running mate was seen as a strategic move to unify the party and appeal to a broader electorate. Biden had committed to selecting a woman as his vice president, and the summer of racial unrest further solidified his decision to choose a Black woman. Harris, with her experience as a U.S. Senator and California Attorney General, was considered the safest and most qualified choice.
However, the dynamics of the 2024 election are different. Biden’s age and the relentless Republican attacks on his mental fitness have put Harris under a microscope. Her favorability ratings have consistently lagged behind Biden’s, and she has faced criticism for her public speaking and perceived lack of impact in office.
Harris’s defenders argue that she is held to a different standard as a Black woman in national politics. They point to her efforts on voting rights, child tax credits, and her role in the White House Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment as evidence of her contributions. However, these accomplishments have not significantly boosted her public image.
The scrutiny Harris faces is reminiscent of other political figures who initially gained attention but later struggled to demonstrate depth and substance. Her presidential campaign in 2020, marked by a memorable debate moment attacking Biden over his stance on forced busing, ultimately floundered due to a lack of clear policy differences and campaign mismanagement.
The Democratic Party’s reluctance to challenge Biden’s decision to seek a second term underscores their concerns about Harris’s viability as a presidential candidate. Some have even suggested replacing her on the ticket, but such a move is unlikely and would be fraught with political risks.
As the 2024 campaign approaches, Biden’s strategy will likely involve deploying Harris to rally key voter demographics, particularly women and Black voters, on issues like abortion and voting rights. However, this traditional approach may not be sufficient given the unique challenges of this election cycle.
Voters will inevitably consider the possibility of Harris stepping into the presidency, especially given Biden’s age. To address this, Biden and his campaign may need to adopt a more integrated approach, presenting Harris as a co-leader and showcasing her capabilities through joint public appearances and extended interviews.
Biden’s decision to elevate Harris in 2020 was based on a belief in her potential to lead the nation if necessary. As the 2024 election looms, the Democratic Party must demonstrate that Harris is not just a capable vice president but also a credible future president. This will require a concerted effort to highlight her strengths and address the concerns that have dogged her tenure.
In conclusion, Kamala Harris’s acknowledgment of Biden’s rough debate performance is a reminder of the challenges the Democratic Party faces as it prepares for the 2024 election. The issue of succession is more pressing than ever, and the party must navigate this complex landscape with a clear strategy to reassure voters of their leadership’s stability and readiness.
Source: Various News Outlets
