Following President Joe Biden's underwhelming performance in a recent presidential debate, a growing number of U.S. House Democrats are eyeing Vice President Kamala Harris as his possible successor.
Fox News reported that, Amid questioning the President's capabilities, some Democrats see Vice President Kamala Harris as a strong alternative.
This debate signaled to many Democrats that it might be time to consider alternative leadership strategies. President Biden himself cited exhaustion from extensive European diplomacy as the cause of his subpar engagement. In boisterous exchanges during the event, Biden's performance didn't reassure his allies as expected.
Seconding the urgency for forthcoming decisions was Rep. Summer Lee, a member of the progressive "Squad," who expressed the need for expedient action in the Democratic ranks. She emphasized that if Biden were to step aside, there wouldn't be the luxury of lengthy primaries.
Rep. Summer Lee articulated the pressing timing concerns, suggesting, "If our president decides this is not a pathway forward for him, we have to move very quickly. There’s not going to be time for a primary. That time is past."
Notably, there is significant backing for Vice President Harris among Black women voters, a critical demographic for the Democratic Party. This support does not just stem from political allegiance but also from a broader desire for representation.
A powerful endorsement came from Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, who was instrumental in Biden’s 2020 nomination. He pointedly supported rallying behind Harris whether she remains vice president or ascends as the nominee.
Rep. Jim Clyburn underscored the party's need to unify behind Harris stating, "This party should not, in any way, do anything to work around Ms. Harris. We should do everything we can to bolster her whether she's in second or at the top of the ticket." Alongside Clyburn, former Representative Tim Ryan penned a piece for Newsweek, vigorously backing Harris for the Democratic nomination. His advocacy reinforced the notion of Harris not just as a suitable but as a necessary pick.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre addressed the surmounting speculation on Biden's candidacy, marking it unequivocally clear that he would not be stepping down. She reinforced Biden's choice of Harris as an emblematic move toward the future of the Democratic Party.
"One of the reasons why he picked the vice president … is because she is indeed the future of the party. And he's very proud to have partnered with her and continue to partner with her and delivering an unprecedented record for the American people," expressed Jean-Pierre.
In the wake of Biden's debated performance, some Democrats have started voicing their concerns more vocally. Rep. Lloyd Doggett was among the first to suggest that Biden should consider withdrawing from the race, a sentiment echoed by Reps. Jared Golden and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez. While their viewpoints represent a smaller faction within the party, they underscore the prevailing anxieties about the upcoming electoral battle against former President Donald Trump.
Further adding to the mix are whispers about other potential candidates such as California Governor Gavin Newsom, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker. However, the discussions remain primarily centered around Vice President Harris as the frontrunner.
In conclusion, President Biden’s performance at the debate has catalyzed a flurry of speculation and support shifts within the Democratic Party. While leaders like Rep. Summer Lee and Rep. Jim Clyburn chart a path toward supporting Vice President Kamala Harris, others view the situation with apprehension. With a call for stability and continuity, the party stands at a critical juncture, looking towards a possibly transformative election cycle.
