The withdrawal of President Joe Biden from the US Presidential race in 2024 has changed the dynamic of the election. It leaves the Democratic Party in flux, as they search for a candidate to challenge Republican Donald Trump.
Many see Vice President Kamala Harris as a possible successor. However, her candidacy presents unique challenges and offers opportunities to the Democratic Party.
Harris is a controversial and historic choice
The Democratic Party will take a risk if it chooses Kamala as its candidate for the presidency. Harris would have to overcome racism, sexism and her political mistakes. She is a Black female.
There has only been one Black President in the US and no woman. This raises questions as to whether Harris will be able to break down these barriers.
Will her gender and race be a problem? “Absolutely,” says LaTosha, co-founder and president of Black Voters Matter Fund.
Harris also faced the difficult task of unifying the party with its donors, as there are only three months left before the elections.
Kamala Harris on her journey to vice-presidency
Harris’s first job was in the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office. She then became San Francisco’s top prosecutor in 2003. In 2003, she became the first Black woman to be appointed California Attorney General.
She was quickly elected to the position of junior US Senator for California in 2017.
However, her 2020 campaign was cut short due to poorly articulated policy and missteps in the campaign. Biden chose Harris as his running-mate, which brought Harris back into the spotlight. Gil Duran, Harris’ former communication director, commented on the rapid rise of the actress:
People didn’t believe she was disciplined and focused enough to reach the White House in such a short time… even though they knew her ambition and star-potential. She was born with raw talent.
Democratic Leaders’ Concerns and Hopes
More than 30 Democratic legislators expressed concern about Biden’s age and health in the weeks before his withdrawal.
Harris is a 59-year-old woman who offers a contrast in generational views to Biden and Trump. She has also been an outspoken leader for abortion rights and other progressive issues, which resonates with young voters.
Some Democrats are concerned about Harris’s first two years in office as Vice President, her short 2020 presidential bid, and persistent issues with racial discrimination and gender inequality.
The relationship between approval ratings and intraparty dynamics
Harris’s approval rating is slightly higher than Bidens, despite being low. FiveThirtyEight reports that 38.6% Americans support Harris, compared with 38.5% who approve Biden. Harris has a lower disapproval rate at 50.4% than Biden, who is at 56.2%.
The representative Alexandra Ocasio Cortez made a statement that highlighted the lack consensus in the party.
You would be wrong to think there’s a consensus of people that want Joe Biden out and will back Kamala Harris, Vice-President.
History and social barriers
In the US, there have been significant landmarks when it comes to electing Black leaders such as Barack Obama. However, this election is unprecedented.
Harris has faced numerous racist and gender-based attacks as she is the first Black woman vice president and also first Black South Asian.
Jamal Simmons, a former Harris aide, noted that although Harris’ candidacy will be met with racism and sexism she could galvanize Black women and voters.
Harris’s established name and presence gives him an advantage over other potential candidates, such as California Governor Gavin Newsom or Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer who may struggle to establish themselves in a limited campaign.
Her record has also been examined, especially in relation to issues such as voting rights and immigration.
Trump’s rhetoric, the political climate
Harris has been the target of Trump’s racist and sexist past. He suggested that Harris, even though she was a US citizen, wasn’t qualified for the vice presidency in 2020. Trump called Harris “Laughing Kamala” at a rally.
Some supporters argue that this attack, which is reminiscent of “birtherism,” claims made against Obama, may backfire, and increase support for Harris. Cliff Albright of Black Voters Matter Fund called this “birtherism 2.0.”
Harris and the Democratic Party
Harris has become more visible within the Democratic Party due to her advocacy of reproductive rights after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Biden said that Harris’s advocacy for reproductive rights following the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade has raised her profile within the party.
She may be able to increase her popularity among voters because of the role she has played as an abortion rights campaign spokesperson.
Some Democrats like Donna Brazile (former chair of the Democratic National Committee) continue to back Biden and Harris, citing party unity.
Some, such as Gina Gannon (retired), express their frustration at the way in which Biden’s medical issues have been handled. This could affect Harris’ support.
Kamala Harris is at an important moment in American Politics, and has the chance to be the first Black female president.
She faces many challenges but her candidacy can also be a powerful contrast for Trump and key demographics.
Harris is a strong contender for the 2020 presidential election, as the Democratic Party negotiates through this time of uncertainty. Her advocacy and established presence on important issues will help her to be able to navigate the party.
The post Kamala Harris: Will Democrats look to her as a replacement for Biden? This post may be updated as new information unfolds
