Feeling uncertain about Biden’s 2024 campaign? Wondering who can really step up if Biden steps down? The answer is clear: Kamala Harris.
Why Kamala Harris is the Best Choice for Democrats
If President Joe Biden isn’t the Democratic nominee coming out of the August party convention, it must be Vice President Kamala Harris. For those Democrats still doubting Biden’s debate performance and hoping for a different candidate, understand this: Choosing anyone other than Harris would not only overlook our highly qualified vice president but also be a political disaster for the Democratic ticket.
Kamala Harris’ Impact: Symbolic and Consequential
Harris has done significant work to advance the administration’s economic and national security agenda. She’s tackled issues like support for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), maternal health, and health disparities in ways that truly matter for Americans. She’s a fierce advocate for the administration’s goals and an effective communicator of its positions.
The Political Fallout of Overlooking Harris
There’s much speculation about picking a candidate other than Harris, but little consideration of how that could hurt us electorally. African Americans make up about 14% of the U.S. population, but nearly 20% of Biden voters were Black in 2020, according to Pew Research Center. In a tight election, ignoring this crucial community by denying Harris the nomination would be both disrespectful and politically foolish.
Real Examples: Pennsylvania’s Crucial Role
Take Pennsylvania. In 2020, Biden won by 1.2%, about 80,000 votes. With Biden’s Black support in Pennsylvania dropping to 69% in a recent poll, a significant number of voters could be lost, far more than his 2020 margin of victory. Passing over Harris could depress Black voter turnout, making it impossible to win states like Pennsylvania.
The Indignity of Ignoring Harris
Imagine if California Gov. Gavin Newsom became the nominee. Harris would have to change her voter registration from California to Washington, D.C., to be on the ticket. This symbolic indignity, combined with her campaigning for another candidate, would be insulting and unlikely to unify the party.
Logistical Realities: Funding and Vetting
Harris is in the best position to receive Biden’s campaign funds, as her name is already on the campaign account. None of the other potential candidates have been nationally vetted to the extent that Harris has. Remember the lessons from John Edwards or Ron DeSantis, whose candidacies faltered despite early enthusiasm.
The People Have Already Spoken
More than 81 million Americans voted for Biden, implicitly trusting his judgment that Harris should step in if needed. Replacing Biden with anyone other than Harris ignores the voters’ choice and risks our chances in the most crucial election of our time.
Conclusion: Harris is the Only Feasible Option
So, if we’re discussing replacing Biden, understand this: Kamala Harris is the only viable alternative. Any other choice dooms our chances before the first convention balloon drops.
Photo credit: Featured Headlines
Learn more:
- HBCUs – Support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities
- maternal health – Maternal Health Initiatives
- health disparities – Addressing Health Disparities
- Pew Research Center – Pew Research Center on Biden Voters
- Pennsylvania poll – New York Times/Siena College Poll
