Democrats’ sudden decision to replace President Joe Biden with Vice President Kamala Harris as their 2024 presidential candidate is already showing signs of backfiring, potentially benefiting GOP nominee and former President Donald Trump.
The abrupt shift occurred after Biden’s shaky debate performance in late June and intense pressure from party insiders to step down. Biden finally exited the race on Sunday, following an assassination attempt on Trump and a highly successful Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Instead of holding an open primary, Democratic leaders swiftly consolidated behind Harris, securing enough delegates to push her nomination within 48 hours.
Sen. John Fetterman: People pushed out an honorable man, loving father and a great president before an absolute sleazeball like Menendez. Congratulations.”
— David Weigel (@daveweigel) July 21, 2024
This frantic move reeks of desperation, as Democrats, fearing a weak Biden would harm down-ticket prospects, acted swiftly. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) even criticized his party for pushing Biden out of the race. The haste of this decision and the lack of an open process are raising concerns about whether Democrats made a critical mistake.
Harris has raised over $80 million quickly, but this figure is less impressive upon closer inspection. Much of this money was likely pent-up donations redirected after Biden’s exit. Thus, while it appears significant, it essentially recovers funds lost during Biden’s waning days.
Timeline of Events
Sunday
•Joe Biden drops out.
•Kamala Harris announces campaign with Biden endorsement.
•Kamala Harris says she is going to work hard to earn the nomination.
•Kamala Harris makes calls to party delegates.Monday
•Kamala Harris continues making calls to… pic.twitter.com/ZxzyxegZin— Black Lives Matter (@Blklivesmatter) July 23, 2024
Initial polling data suggests Harris’s floor might be lower than Biden’s, with potential downsides for the Democratic Party. Republicans are quietly celebrating, viewing Harris as a radical candidate. Early polls show Harris trailing Trump nationally by 2 to 10 percent. For context, a narrow 2 percent national lead for Trump could translate into a significant electoral college victory. Harris’s early polling numbers are not promising, even compared to Biden’s previous standing.
The move has not been universally embraced within the Democratic Party. Former Pennsylvania Democratic Party chairman T.J. Rooney expressed concerns about Harris’s electability in crucial states like Pennsylvania. He pointed out that her stance on issues like fossil fuels could alienate voters in key regions.
TOUGH CROWD, CHUCK!
Nobody likes Kamala. pic.twitter.com/it0lukrw7A
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) July 23, 2024
Recent polls reveal troubling signs for Harris. An NPR-Marist poll showed Trump leading Harris by 1 percent, while a HarrisX poll for Forbes suggested a 9 percent lead for Trump. Additionally, early battleground state polls from Virginia and New Hampshire, which Trump did not win in previous elections, show him leading Harris.
Establishment media and some Democrats are cautiously optimistic but aware of Harris’s weaknesses. Media figures are temporarily holding back criticism, hoping Harris can improve her standing. However, pieces from CNN and The Hill indicate that Harris might already be a liability for down-ticket Democrats in the House and Senate.
