She concerns Republican donors, enjoys widespread name recognition, and is gaining support from key Democratic figures. Top Democrats believe Vice-President Kamala Harris would be President Joe Biden's natural successor if he succumbed to mounting pressure and withdrew as the Democratic candidate in the 2024 election. Party donors, activists, and officials are now questioning whether she stands a better chance than Biden of defeating Donald Trump. Despite Biden's repeated assertions that he will remain in the race, the question persists.
At 59, Harris, a former US senator and California attorney general, would make history as the first woman to become President of the United States if she secured the party's nomination and won the November 5 election. She is also the first African American and Asian American to serve as Vice-President. Her tenure at the White House, however, has been marked by a slow start, frequent staff changes, and early policy initiatives that failed to yield significant successes, particularly concerning migration from Central America.
In recent times, the narrative has shifted. Harris has taken a strong stance on abortion rights and has actively courted young voters, altering perceptions within the White House and the Biden campaign team. Polls now suggest she could outperform Biden against Trump, although the race would be close. A CNN poll from July 2 showed Trump leading Biden by six percentage points, 49% to 43%, with Harris trailing slightly behind Trump, 47% to 45%, within the margin of error.
Internal Biden campaign polls after a recent debate indicate Harris has similar odds as Biden of defeating Trump, with 45% of voters favoring her versus 48% for Trump. Prominent Democrats, including U.S. Representative Jim Clyburn, Rep. Gregory Meeks, and Summer Lee, have expressed support for Harris as the best option if Biden steps aside. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has also privately endorsed this view.
Harris's potential candidacy has even influenced Republican donors, with two stating they would prefer Trump to face Biden rather than her. However, her public image has been tarnished by associations with the far left wing of the Democratic Party, a stance that some believe could hinder her chances in a national election. Despite this, she would inherit the Biden campaign's fundraising and infrastructure, a significant advantage with only four months until the election.
Her prosecutorial background could prove advantageous in a debate against Trump, with some Democrats confident she could effectively challenge him. However, Republican attacks on Harris are intensifying, rehashing criticisms from the 2020 race, including claims of inexperience and unqualifiedness. These attacks reflect a long-standing pattern of objectifying and denigrating women of color in politics.
