Western Reader
An upcoming poll shows that Vice President Kamala Harris is leading the race to potentially take over President Joe Biden’s spot on the Democratic ticket if he opts out of the 2024 presidential campaign. Recent criticisms of Biden’s debate performance have sparked conversations within the Democratic Party regarding the need for a possible replacement.
The survey conducted by Data for Progress last Friday revealed Harris as the preferred choice among Democratic voters, with 39% supporting her as Biden’s successor. The poll, which included 1,011 likely voters, 387 of whom were Democrats, has a margin of error of three percentage points. California Governor Gavin Newsom followed with 18% support, while Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg received 10% backing.
Does anyone remember Kamala’s 2020 presidential campaign and why – despite massive advantages (swooning media coverage, a debate where she called Biden a racist, major California cash) – she had to drop out before the first vote because even the Dem base couldn’t stand her? pic.com/8p1ao9Fggi
— Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) July 3, 2024
Despite the increasing support for Harris, Biden’s campaign is firm in stating that the president will not resign. Campaign spokesperson Seth Schuster reiterated, “Joe Biden is not dropping out,” emphasizing the administration’s dedication to the re-election effort.Discussions about replacing Biden highlight broader concerns about his suitability as a candidate given his age and recent performance challenges. Biden addressed these concerns at a recent rally by acknowledging his physical limitations but asserting his competence for the job.
If Biden were to step aside, the Democratic Party would need to select a new nominee through a convention process, an approach that has not been used in decades. This situation could lead to a competitive and unpredictable race among different Democratic figures, including Harris, Newsom, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and others.
BUT I always knew she would topple Jover Bidone one day :
‘That Little Girl Was Me ‘pic.com/1vkEOt2xMS
— Andrew Fisher (@acpandy) July 3, 2024
The poll data also indicates substantial support for other candidates: Senator Cory Booker at 7%, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer at 6%, and Senators Amy Klobuchar and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker each at 2%. However, Harris remains the frontrunner, partly due to her current position and prominence within the administration.
The possibility of replacing Biden comes with uncertainties and potential risks. Political analysts warn that any new candidate would need to quickly gain public favor, which could be challenging. Thomas Gift, an associate professor of political science at University College London, remarked that a replacement for Biden could face a drop in popularity once under national scrutiny.
As the Democratic Party grapples with this complex situation, the focus remains on unity and presenting a strong candidate capable of challenging the likely Republican nominee, Donald Trump, in the 2024 election.
To sum up, although Vice President Kamala Harris is currently the favored choice to succeed President Biden, the process of transition presents procedural and political obstacles. The Democratic Party must carefully consider these factors as they approach the 2024 presidential race.
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