President Joe Biden’s potential departure as the Democratic presidential nominee doesn’t guarantee Vice President Kamala Harris will succeed him. While Harris has been Biden’s political heir since 2020, doubts persist about her viability as a presidential candidate. Concerns that hindered her initial White House bid and her vice presidency continue to affect her chances.
Social media is rife with clips of Harris’s awkward sound bites, and while some Democrats praise her efforts on abortion rights, Republicans are poised to scrutinize her work on the southern border. Despite the growing calls for Biden to step down, many Democratic officials and donors question the wisdom of endorsing Harris as his replacement. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez emphasized this sentiment, stating, “If you think there is a consensus among the people who want Joe Biden to leave, that they would support Vice President Harris, you would be mistaken. They’re interested in removing the whole ticket.”
The central issue for Democrats is identifying a candidate who can effectively challenge former President Donald Trump and maximize success in the House and Senate. Harris’s polling isn’t significantly better than Biden’s. An NBC News poll showed Trump leading both Biden and Harris by a two-point margin, reflecting Harris’s uncertain political viability.
John Morgan, a Democratic megadonor, warned against hastily supporting Harris, stating, “Be careful what you wish for.” He expressed concerns that Harris might come across as inauthentic, a sentiment echoed by many fundraisers and donors who are looking to back a winning candidate.
Proponents of Harris argue her numbers could improve with a formal campaign, bolstered by Biden-Harris campaign funds. She shows strength among Black voters, according to a POLITICO/Morning Consult poll, and has focused on outreach to younger voters. However, being a Black woman in politics poses additional challenges due to sexism and racism. At 59, Harris could address concerns about the party leader’s age, contrasting with the 78-year-old GOP nominee.
Aimee Allison, founder of She the People, highlighted Harris’s past success, stating, “I’ve heard it this week, it’s a perennial thing — ‘Can she win?’ I say, ‘Yes, she already has.’” Allison criticized the persistent underestimation of Harris, which she believes is a common issue for Black women in politics.
Some Democrats fear darker outcomes, particularly after an assassination attempt on Trump. Renay Grace Rodriguez, president of the Los Angeles Stonewall Democratic Club, expressed concern, “If Biden steps down, she should be the one to receive the delegates. But I also know how this country behaves toward women and women of color, and I worry for her that there would be a bullet that would not miss.”
Harris’s failed 2020 presidential run looms large, affecting current perceptions of her prospects. Despite her rapid rise through California politics, her presidential campaign struggled with unclear ideology and inconsistent positions, notably on single-payer health care. Her campaign also faced internal issues, lacking a clear strategy and leadership, leading to her early exit from the race.
This history has created skepticism among voters and donors. As one House Democrat noted, “‘Kamala, eh that’s not good. In the primary four years ago, she didn’t last very long.’” A spokesperson for Harris defended her record, emphasizing her dedication to working with Biden.
Harris has faced challenges with staff turnover in every office she’s held, and her vice presidency has been no different. Issues with her first chief of staff and a dysfunctional office environment strained her relationship with the White House. Persistent leaks and complaints about mismanagement have marred her tenure, though improvements were noted with the appointment of a new chief of staff, Lorraine Voles.
Harris’s relationship with Biden’s inner circle has been rocky since her 2020 primary debate jab at Biden. Despite initial reservations, Biden’s political advisers, including future White House chief of staff Ron Klain, supported her as a valuable addition to the ticket. However, lingering doubts from senior aides and Biden’s family have persisted.
Harris’s role as vice president has involved taking on politically fraught tasks, such as immigration. Despite her objections, she was tasked with addressing the root causes of migration from Central America, leading to GOP attacks labeling her the “border czar.” However, the fall of Roe v. Wade allowed Harris to pivot to a position of strength as the administration’s point person on abortion rights.
Harris’s efforts on abortion rights, particularly ahead of the 2022 midterms, helped ease tensions with the White House. She has become a key figure in Biden’s reelection bid, focusing on reproductive health. Christina Reynolds, senior vice president of EMILY’s List, praised Harris, saying, “She’s a terrific messenger on the issue that we believe is going to win Democrats this election, which is abortion.”
Harris’s prosecutorial skills have been a strength, as seen in her prominent Senate Judiciary Committee exchanges. These skills have become a key part of her appeal, especially in contrast to Biden’s debate performance against Trump. With Biden’s effectiveness in question, Harris’s sharp attacks on Trump have garnered attention from Democrats looking for a candidate who can change the dynamics of the race.
Harris’s ability to unite the party remains uncertain. While female Democratic donors and organizations are preparing to support her candidacy, Harris would need to win over constituencies that Biden successfully united in 2020. Her lack of longstanding congressional relationships is a disadvantage compared to Biden.
Ocasio-Cortez’s comments highlight the divide within the party, with many progressives, including the liberal House “squad” and Sen. Bernie Sanders, continuing to support Biden. However, Harris has been more willing to call for restraint from Israel in the conflict with Hamas, a stance that may appeal to progressives.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren broke from the progressive camp, stating, “Biden is our nominee … Harris is ready to serve.” Harris’s role as the White House messenger on abortion rights has been a significant aspect of her tenure, and her ability to connect the fight for abortion rights with broader issues of freedom has resonated within the party. As Democrats contemplate their future leadership, Harris’s ability to unify the party and address its diverse needs remains a critical question.