Let’s talk about some intriguing insights shared by CNN host Chris Wallace during his coverage of the Democratic National Convention. Wallace took a moment to remind viewers of the complex journey Vice President Kamala Harris has had leading up to her current position as the Democratic nominee for the upcoming presidential election.
Just six months ago, Harris was facing some serious challenges. Her approval ratings were in a slump, hitting a low of 36.3% in November 2023. This decline sparked discussions among Democrats about possibly removing her from President Joe Biden’s ticket.
At the time, some delegates and Democratic officials weren’t thrilled about Harris staying on the ticket, especially when Biden was still in the race. These doubts were fueled by concerns over her electability and the overall strength of the Democratic ticket.
Wallace, while assessing the DNC’s progress, noted that the convention was going “fine,” especially highlighting the powerful speeches from the Obamas.
However, he pointed out that the event felt a bit unusual, describing it as more of a beginning than an end of a typical nomination process. He likened the situation to a new romance—exciting and hopeful, but lacking the deep connection that typically forms over a longer campaign period.
He continued by emphasizing that, despite the enthusiasm for Harris to win and defeat Donald Trump, there’s still a missing element—a personal connection to Harris among the party and its supporters. Wallace candidly recalled how, just half a year ago, there was significant talk within the Democratic ranks about potentially replacing Harris, with some even considering alternatives to both her and Biden.
This sentiment was echoed by New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who was critical of the initial backing of Harris. She revealed that many Democrats were not just interested in moving on from Biden but were also contemplating a complete overhaul of the ticket.
Ocasio-Cortez herself endorsed Harris after Biden announced his withdrawal from the race, but she made it clear that the decision was not universally embraced within the party.