
WASHINGTON, D.C. – As President Joe Biden’s potential withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race remains a topic of intense speculation, Democratic insiders are increasingly coalescing around Vice President Kamala Harris as the likely successor, should Biden step aside.
For weeks, informal conversations among Democratic operatives and leaders have centered on the complex process of selecting a new nominee. Despite the murkiness of this potential transition, many within the party believe Harris is best positioned to take the helm. The consensus is driven by internal polls showing Harris’s potential to invigorate Democratic enthusiasm and boost down-ballot races.
Building Consensus Amidst Uncertainty
“F**k it, I’m coconut pilled. I just want this to stop,” said one prominent Democratic operative, referencing a viral meme involving Harris. This sentiment of exhaustion appears to be galvanizing a consensus around Harris, with many believing she is the fastest option to assemble a robust campaign against potential Republican challengers.
Although Biden’s aides assure that the president will resume his campaign next week after recovering from Covid-19, the contingency plans are clear. If Biden steps aside, a swift and decisive process is anticipated, with many party leaders and operatives asserting that Harris is the natural successor.
Delegate Support and Party Unity
Some Democratic strategists advocate for a streamlined process where delegates would formally endorse Harris through a pre-convention virtual nomination plan. This approach aims to avoid a prolonged and contentious primary battle that could fracture party unity.
One Democratic House member emphasized the importance of rallying around Harris: “I do believe it has to be the vice president. She’s campaigning vigorously under the mantle and she’s the natural successor.”
Biden’s Influence and the Importance of Stability
Biden’s endorsement would significantly influence the transition, given his prior selection of Harris as his running mate and her continued loyalty. Many Democrats believe that bypassing Harris would undermine Biden’s judgment and alienate key voter blocs, particularly Black voters who played a crucial role in Biden’s 2020 victory.
Eleni Kounalakis, California’s lieutenant governor and a Democratic convention delegate, noted the importance of respecting the primary voters’ choice: “When people voted for him as the nominee they were voting for this ticket, so it just has to be concluded that the best way to validate the vote of the primary voters is to support the vice president as our nominee.”
Challenges and Opposition
Despite the growing consensus, some Democrats remain skeptical. Texas Rep. Vicente Gonzalez expressed surprise at the rapid shift in support for Harris, given previous concerns about her electoral viability. Additionally, Republican operatives are eager to exploit Harris’s perceived weaknesses and any chaotic transition process.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez highlighted potential resistance within the Democratic elite, suggesting that many influential figures are not enthusiastic about a Harris nomination. However, others believe Harris’s current efforts are effectively an audition for the presidency, bolstering confidence in her leadership abilities.
Looking Ahead
As the Democratic Party navigates this period of uncertainty, the focus remains on maintaining stability and unity. The prospect of a contested primary at the convention is seen as detrimental, with many party members emphasizing the need for a seamless transition to avoid further infighting.
Rep. Jared Golden of Maine summarized the sentiment among some Democrats: “I think that many Americans are thinking that there’s a very high likelihood that if the Biden-Harris ticket wins, that Kamala will finish that second term. So, it might beg the question: Why not just settle that matter in this election?”
As the political landscape evolves, the Democratic Party continues to grapple with the complexities of succession planning, with Harris emerging as the favored candidate to lead the party into the 2024 election.