Following a challenging television debate performance against Donald Trump, there are growing concerns regarding President Joe Biden’s ability to continue in the race due to his age.
The debate performance has sparked discussions within the Democratic Party about the potential need for a new candidate in the upcoming elections.
Harris Overlooked for Replacement
Kamala Harris’ team is expressing discontent as discussions about replacing Joe Biden do not frequently include her as a potential candidate.
They argue that it would be “offensive” to black voters to overlook her for the position, should President Biden decide not to continue his candidacy, according to a report from Politico.
The Issue of Race
The potential replacement of Joe Biden with a white candidate instead of Kamala Harris could send a problematic message to black voters, a crucial demographic for the Democratic Party, Harris’ team noted.
They are particularly sensitive about the implications of overlooking a black female vice president.
Shift in Black Voter Support
There is a notable shift in support among black voters.
Current data shows only 77% of black voters are leaning towards voting for Mr. Biden in the upcoming November elections, a significant drop from the 93% support he received in 2020, as reported by the Pew Research Centre.
Electoral Implications
Polling data suggests that if Kamala Harris were to run against Donald Trump, she would trail him by six percentage points.
This contrasts with the current polls that show Trump and Biden are neck-and-neck, indicating a potentially more competitive race if Biden remains the nominee.
Youth vs. Experience
Despite the calls for a younger candidate to take the lead, the Biden campaign remains firm in its stance.
The campaign is a joint ticket between President Biden and Ms. Harris, and there have been dismissals of suggestions for Biden to step aside.
Speculation Around Democratic Governors
Gavin Newsom and Gretchen Whitmer, governors of California and Michigan respectively, have found themselves at the center of speculation regarding who might be a potential nominee.
However, both have shown public support for the Biden-Harris ticket amidst these rumors.
Whitmer’s Clarification
Gretchen Whitmer has spoken with senior officials in the Biden campaign to confirm that she is not seeking to replace Biden.
She communicated this the day after the debate, aiming to quell any speculation about her intentions.
Newsom’s Dismissal of Replacement Calls
Governor Gavin Newsom addressed the media after the debate, criticizing the discussions about replacing Biden as unhelpful and unnecessary.
He emphasized the importance of unity and focus within the party, as quoted in his statement to MSNBC.
Frustration Among Harris’ Allies
Allies of Kamala Harris are frustrated with her exclusion from the list of possible replacements.
They find it offensive and believe it sends the wrong message to the Democratic Party’s constituents. “The fact that people keep coming back to this is so offensive to so many of us,” an ally told Politico.
Strategy for South Carolina
Sources close to Harris caution that underestimating her effectiveness and qualifications, particularly in key states like South Carolina, could be detrimental to the Democratic Party’s chances.
One source criticized the party’s approach, saying, “If they think they are going to get through South Carolina bashing an effective and qualified black woman vice president — their instincts are as bad as I thought they were.”
The Call for Democratic Unity
In light of the debate and ensuing speculation, the Democratic Party faces a critical juncture.
Whether to support President Biden’s continued candidacy or consider a change remains a contentious issue. The decision could significantly impact the party’s unity and the upcoming electoral challenges.
