Western Reader
A recent poll suggests that Vice President Kamala Harris is positioned as the primary candidate to take over from President Joe Biden on the Democratic ticket if he opts out of the 2024 presidential race. Speculation has intensified within the Democratic Party following Biden’s lackluster debate performance, prompting discussions about the need for a potential replacement.
A survey conducted by Data for Progress last Friday revealed that Harris is the favored 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, comes with a margin of error of three percentage points. California Governor Gavin Newsom followed with 18% support, while Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg garnered 10% backing.
Do you remember Kamala’s 2020 presidential campaign and why – despite significant advantages like favorable media coverage, a debate where she criticized Biden, and significant financial backing in California – she had to withdraw before the first vote due to a lack of support from the Democratic base?
— Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) July 3, 2024
Despite the rising support for Harris, Biden’s campaign has affirmed that the president does not intend to step down. Campaign spokesperson Seth Schuster emphasized, “Joe Biden is not withdrawing,” highlighting the administration’s dedication to the re-election campaign. The conversations about replacing Biden stem from broader concerns about his candidacy viability due to age and recent performance issues. Biden, speaking at a recent rally, acknowledged physical challenges but asserted his competence for the job.
If Biden were to relinquish his candidacy, the Democratic Party would be faced with the task of selecting a new nominee through a convention process that has not been used in decades. This situation could lead to a competitive and uncertain race among various Democratic leaders, including Harris, Newsom, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and others.
But I always knew she would surpass Jover Bidone one day:
‘That Little Girl Was Me ‘ pic.twitter.com/1vkEOt2xMS
— Andrew Fisher (@acpandy) July 3, 2024
The poll data also indicates support for other candidates, with Senator Cory Booker receiving 7%, Governor Gretchen Whitmer at 6%, and Senators Amy Klobuchar and Governor J.B. Pritzker each at 2%. However, Harris maintains the lead, partly due to her current position and visibility within the administration.
Replacing Biden carries uncertainties and potential risks. Political analysts caution that a new candidate would need to quickly gain national support, a daunting task. Thomas Gift, an associate professor of political science at University College London, mentioned that a replacement candidate could face scrutiny and potential unfavorability once on the national stage.
As the Democratic Party navigates this intricate situation, the priority remains on unity and presenting a strong candidate capable of challenging the likely Republican nominee, Donald Trump, in the 2024 election.
In conclusion, though Vice President Kamala Harris is currently the preferred choice to replace President Biden, the path to this transition is complex, involving procedural and political challenges. The Democratic Party must carefully consider these factors as they approach the 2024 presidential campaign.
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