Kamala Harris emerging as top Biden replacement

"She can’t afford to show even a hint that she is looking to replace Biden, the oldest president in history at 81." But she also has to "make sure others don't usurp her in the event Biden’s job becomes available." @Noahbierman and @hannahcwiley on Kamala: https://t.co/E6mbrG1nMv

— Laura J. Nelson 🦅 (@laura_nelson) July 3, 2024

Vice President Kamala Harris is emerging as the top choice to replace President Joe Biden if he decides not to seek re-election in 2024. This is according to seven senior sources within the Biden campaign, the White House, and the Democratic National Committee. Concerns about Biden’s health and performance have intensified within the Democratic Party. This has led to speculation about potential alternatives.

Talked with @ProfessorCrunk about Kamala, Joe, the myth of presidential meritocracy…trying to think about race, gender, history and the context of all in which we live and what came before us. https://t.co/X8vuQGqZyi

— Rebecca Traister (@rtraister) July 3, 2024

While names such as California Governor Gavin Newsom and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer have been mentioned, bypassing Harris would be highly challenging. If Harris were to be named the party nominee, she would take over the funds raised by the Biden campaign along with its established infrastructure. Harris, 59, has the highest name recognition among potential alternatives. Polling data suggests she is as strong a candidate as Biden. Harris trails Trump by a mere percentage point, a margin within the poll’s error rate.

We have to rip the band aid off! Too much is at stake. ⁦@VP⁩ has significantly grown into her job, she will destroy Trump in debate, highlight choice issue, energize our base, bring back young voters and give us generational change. It’s time! https://t.co/izPypeSmDL

— Tim Ryan (@TimRyan) July 2, 2024

She has already been extensively vetted for national office, having faced significant scrutiny from Republicans.

NEW: National Democrats are increasingly warming to the idea that Vice President Kamala Harris should replace Joe Biden atop the ticket.

from me and @JoePerticone https://t.co/Nuzn1gOufG

— Sam Stein (@samstein) July 3, 2024

U.S. Representative Jim Clyburn, a key figure in Biden’s 2020 victory, has expressed his support for Harris as the Democratic nominee if Biden steps aside. “It’s pretty near impossible to win the nomination over the vice president,” said Michael Trujillo, a Democratic strategist from California who previously worked for Hillary Clinton’s campaigns. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that Biden simply had a “bad night” at the debate and will continue advocating for his re-election. Harris’s office dismissed any notion of a Democratic ticket excluding Biden. Biden’s campaign has secured 3,894 delegates after state primaries, leaving only a few “uncommitted” delegates outstanding.

Harris named as possible Biden successor

These delegates are expected to nominate Biden formally at a virtual meeting ahead of the Democratic National Convention in August. Donna Brazile, the former interim chair of the Democratic National Committee, emphasized that Harris is the immediate alternative if Biden steps down. “People may have dreams of another superhero but there is a process, and it’s a Biden-Harris ticket,” Brazile said. Passing over Harris, the first Black and woman vice president, could lead to significant backlash from Black and women voters, who are crucial to a Democratic victory, several strategists noted. Despite these considerations, some influential Democrats doubt her ability to defeat Trump. Harris has faced difficulties in her vice-presidential role, particularly in distinguishing herself. Her approval ratings remain below 40%. Harris, however, has recently gained traction on issues like abortion rights. Her odds of beating Trump are comparable to Biden’s, per recent polling. Efforts to sidestep Harris have been labeled “impossible” by Democratic donors who previously considered alternatives such as Whitmer and Newsom. “There is a real conversation in the Democratic party about leadership right now, but fair to say, and I’m not thrilled about this… it will be impossible to ignore Kamala,” said one donor. In response to growing calls for Biden to step aside, his campaign remains resolute. Stephanie Cutter, deputy campaign manager for former President Barack Obama, reaffirmed Biden’s position as the nominee. She cautioned against intra-party battles that could secure a Trump victory.