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As President Joe Biden continues his campaign for reelection, there are growing concerns within the Democratic Party about his viability as a candidate due to his age and performance during the first debate against Donald Trump. Some Democratic leaders and supporters have suggested that Vice President Kamala Harris might be a better option to face off against Trump in the 2024 election.This has led to a debate about whether Harris could defeat Trump if Biden were to step aside.
Here is all you need to know about prospects and chances of Harris if she contests against Trump:
What has sparked the discussion about Biden stepping aside for Harris?
The discussion gained momentum after President Biden faced intensified scrutiny regarding his fitness for another term. During a recent campaign trip in Pennsylvania, Biden urged unity among his supporters, but some leading congressional Democrats privately suggested it might be time for him to abandon his reelection bid. As the party remains divided, with some Democrats advocating for Biden to stay and others urging him to step aside, the possibility of Harris stepping in as the candidate has become a significant topic of conversation.
Why do some believe Kamala Harris could be a strong candidate?
Supporters of Harris argue that she has the potential to energize key Democratic-leaning groups, including Black voters, young voters, and those dissatisfied with Biden’s handling of certain issues. Harris has also become a prominent voice on reproductive rights following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v Wade. Former Democratic Congressman Tim Ryan stated, “She would energize the Black, brown, and Asian Pacific members of our coalition…she would immediately pull the dispirited youth of our country back into the fold.”
How does Harris perform against Trump in recent polls?
Recent polls suggest that Harris could fare better against Trump than Biden. A CNN poll found that while Trump leads Biden by six percentage points (49% to 43%), Harris trails Trump by a narrower margin (47% to 45%), within the margin of error. Another Reuters/Ipsos poll showed Harris and Trump nearly tied, with 42% supporting Harris and 43% backing Trump. Harris also showed strength among independents and moderate voters in these polls.
What challenges might Harris face if she were the nominee?
Harris’s tenure as Vice President has had its ups and downs, with early challenges and criticisms, particularly regarding her handling of immigration and voting rights issues. Some Democratic donors worry about her association with the far-left wing of the party, which they believe could alienate moderate and independent voters. Dmitri Mehlhorn, a fundraiser and adviser, said, “Her greatest weakness is that her public brand has been associated with the far left wing of the Democratic Party … and the left wing of the Democratic party cannot win a national election.”
What do Harris’s supporters say about her capabilities in a debate against Trump?
Supporters believe Harris’s prosecutorial background could be a significant advantage in a head-to-head debate with Trump. Dmitri Mehlhorn commented, “She is incredibly focused and forceful and smart, and if she prosecutes the case against the criminality of Donald Trump, she will rip him apart.”
What is the overall sentiment among Democrats about Harris replacing Biden?
While there is no consensus, influential Democrats like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Rep Jim Clyburn have indicated that Harris could be the best option if Biden steps aside. Civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton emphasized Harris’s loyalty and the potential consequences of bypassing her, stating, “She’s a loyal Democrat. I think the question is whether the Democratic Party will be loyal to women and loyal to Blacks, who have been loyal to them as symbolized by her.”
Here is all you need to know about prospects and chances of Harris if she contests against Trump:
What has sparked the discussion about Biden stepping aside for Harris?
The discussion gained momentum after President Biden faced intensified scrutiny regarding his fitness for another term. During a recent campaign trip in Pennsylvania, Biden urged unity among his supporters, but some leading congressional Democrats privately suggested it might be time for him to abandon his reelection bid. As the party remains divided, with some Democrats advocating for Biden to stay and others urging him to step aside, the possibility of Harris stepping in as the candidate has become a significant topic of conversation.
Why do some believe Kamala Harris could be a strong candidate?
Supporters of Harris argue that she has the potential to energize key Democratic-leaning groups, including Black voters, young voters, and those dissatisfied with Biden’s handling of certain issues. Harris has also become a prominent voice on reproductive rights following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v Wade. Former Democratic Congressman Tim Ryan stated, “She would energize the Black, brown, and Asian Pacific members of our coalition…she would immediately pull the dispirited youth of our country back into the fold.”
How does Harris perform against Trump in recent polls?
Recent polls suggest that Harris could fare better against Trump than Biden. A CNN poll found that while Trump leads Biden by six percentage points (49% to 43%), Harris trails Trump by a narrower margin (47% to 45%), within the margin of error. Another Reuters/Ipsos poll showed Harris and Trump nearly tied, with 42% supporting Harris and 43% backing Trump. Harris also showed strength among independents and moderate voters in these polls.
What challenges might Harris face if she were the nominee?
Harris’s tenure as Vice President has had its ups and downs, with early challenges and criticisms, particularly regarding her handling of immigration and voting rights issues. Some Democratic donors worry about her association with the far-left wing of the party, which they believe could alienate moderate and independent voters. Dmitri Mehlhorn, a fundraiser and adviser, said, “Her greatest weakness is that her public brand has been associated with the far left wing of the Democratic Party … and the left wing of the Democratic party cannot win a national election.”
What do Harris’s supporters say about her capabilities in a debate against Trump?
Supporters believe Harris’s prosecutorial background could be a significant advantage in a head-to-head debate with Trump. Dmitri Mehlhorn commented, “She is incredibly focused and forceful and smart, and if she prosecutes the case against the criminality of Donald Trump, she will rip him apart.”
What is the overall sentiment among Democrats about Harris replacing Biden?
While there is no consensus, influential Democrats like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Rep Jim Clyburn have indicated that Harris could be the best option if Biden steps aside. Civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton emphasized Harris’s loyalty and the potential consequences of bypassing her, stating, “She’s a loyal Democrat. I think the question is whether the Democratic Party will be loyal to women and loyal to Blacks, who have been loyal to them as symbolized by her.”
