July 5th 2024.
In the aftermath of Joe Biden's disappointing performance in the debate, there has been a lot of talk among top Democrats about who Kamala Harris' running mate would be. It's clear that a growing number of party officials, operatives, and donors believe that President Biden's attempts to salvage his campaign are not going to be successful. In fact, some of his closest allies are skeptical about his ability to handle the demands of a re-election campaign, based on conversations with two dozen Democratic politicians and operatives, as reported by CNN.
Biden often reminds people not to compare him to a deity, but to look at the alternative. And that's exactly what many Democrats are doing as they consider Harris as a potential running mate. As the New British PM's first day will stretch from a nuclear weapons briefing to meeting Larry the cat, Harris has been busy as well. She and her team have been deliberately ignoring most of the calls and texts they've received, as they remain focused on their support for Biden and their pride in standing by him.
However, Harris has already made some changes in her schedule. It was only after last week's debate that her office updated her schedule to include a Fourth of July picnic and fireworks event with Biden. In the past, she had not attended this picnic and instead had her own tradition of visiting a local fire station on Independence Day. Additionally, when the White House initially offered for Harris to speak to Democratic governors instead of Biden, she was later added to the meeting and gave a speech urging unity and support for the president. This shows how Harris is staying close to Biden, but also how Biden is keeping her close.
Despite her efforts, the political landscape is starting to shift around Harris. Former President Donald Trump's campaign has already begun attacking her, and several officials have started to push back against donors who express doubts about her ability to win. They argue that everyone needs to get on board with Harris as the potential nominee. There are also plans in the works to convince Biden to endorse Harris, release his Democratic delegates, and ask them to support her. This would be followed by other former presidents and party leaders in an effort to avoid a contentious fight for the Democratic ticket.
Many top Democrats are hoping for a more open race for Harris' running mate, with a focus on leading Democratic governors such as Roy Cooper of North Carolina and Andy Beshear of Kentucky. Other names being discussed include Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, and Tim Walz of Minnesota. However, this plan is not without its challenges, as it would deny Harris the deference typically given to presidential nominees in choosing their own running mate.
One Democratic senator used a colorful metaphor to describe the growing support for Harris, comparing Biden and Harris to a star quarterback who may need to be taken off the field for their backup. They explained that while some fans may be chanting for the backup to be put in, the team knows and has confidence in the backup's abilities. This senator believes that this is the difference between those who are still skeptical of Harris and those who are looking at the realistic options.
There are also logistical concerns about making Harris the Democratic nominee. If she were to become the nominee, she would be able to take over the Biden campaign's fundraising and infrastructure, as she is already part of the current ticket. Former Ohio congressman Tim Ryan, who has been vocal about Biden stepping aside for Harris, believes that this would be a decisive move that could change the narrative and dispel the stereotype that Democrats are weak.
The Biden campaign has dismissed all speculation, emphasizing that Biden is the nominee, and Harris is the running mate, and they are confident in their ability to win in November. However, there is still chatter among Democrats about the weaknesses of both Biden and Harris. While some House Democrats fear losing their seats if Harris is at the top of the ticket, others who were once skeptical of her are now turning around and seeing her as a better option than Biden.
An anonymous document written by senior operatives within Democratic political institutions has been circulating among Democratic donors and coalition groups. Titled "Unburdened by What Has Been: The Case for Kamala," it presents a detailed argument and plan for a Harris campaign. The document argues that Harris has the strongest claim to Democratic legitimacy and is the only candidate who can take the reins right now, rather than in late August with only three months left to go. It states that Harris has significant and underestimated electoral advantages and can win the election.
Amidst the ongoing fallout from Joe Biden's lackluster debate performance, the focus in top Democratic circles has shifted to speculation about who Kamala Harris' running mate would be. This shift is a clear indication of the growing concern among party officials, operatives, and donors that President Biden's efforts to salvage his campaign may not be enough. In fact, many close allies of the president doubt his ability to effectively lead a reelection campaign, as reported by CNN after speaking with two dozen Democratic politicians and operatives.
Biden often urges people not to compare him to a deity, but rather to his opponent. And this is exactly what a growing number of Democrats are doing as they consider Harris for the role of running mate. Despite this, the vice president and her team have chosen to ignore most of the calls and texts they receive, instead remaining steadfastly focused on supporting Biden and expressing pride in their partnership.
However, Harris has made some changes recently. After last week's debate, her schedule was updated to include a Fourth of July picnic and fireworks event with Biden. This is a departure from her usual Independence Day tradition of visiting a local fire station. Additionally, when Democratic governors rejected an initial offer for Harris to speak to them instead of Biden, she was ultimately added to the meeting and delivered a unifying speech in support of the president.
These actions demonstrate Harris' loyalty to Biden, but they also highlight his need for her. Despite her efforts, the world of Democratic politics is starting to revolve around her. Even Trump's campaign has begun attacking Harris, prompting Democratic officials to defend her and urge donors to get on board with her candidacy.
Some officials and advisers are even pushing for Biden to throw his full support behind Harris, release his delegates, and ask them to follow his choice. This move would likely be supported by former presidents and party leaders, with the hope of avoiding a contentious fight for the Democratic nomination.
If this were to happen, the focus would shift to who Harris' running mate would be. Many top Democrats are eyeing leading governors, such as Roy Cooper of North Carolina and Andy Beshear of Kentucky. There are also mentions of Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, and Tim Walz of Minnesota. However, this presents its own set of challenges as it would deny Harris the traditional privilege of choosing her own running mate.
One Democratic senator used a colorful metaphor to describe the current situation, comparing Biden and Harris to a star quarterback who needs to be taken off the field and replaced with their backup. They emphasized the importance of sticking with the current team and not taking a risk on someone who has never played in the NFL.
Despite some concerns and doubts from donors and party members, there is a growing belief that Harris may be the best option for the Democratic party. Some have even created a document titled "Unburdened by What Has Been: The Case for Kamala," which outlines a detailed argument and plan for her campaign. It's clear that many see Harris as the strongest candidate and the one who can lead the party to victory in November.
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