The political landscape is heating up, and the latest buzz suggests it might be time for Joe Biden to step aside in favor of Kamala Harris. Recent murmurs within the Democratic Party are pointing towards a potential power shift, with Harris taking center stage as the party’s candidate for the 2024 Presidential election.
Why all the commotion? Let’s start with the obvious: Biden’s age and health. The man’s not getting any younger, and it’s showing. His approval ratings are tumbling, and even some of his most loyal supporters are starting to question if he’s got what it takes to go the distance. Remember when Lyndon Johnson bowed out gracefully in 1968, paving the way for Hubert Humphrey? History could be repeating itself.
Harris, on the other hand, has been on a roll. She’s out there, hitting the campaign trail hard, shaking hands, and kissing babies—well, maybe not literally, but you get the picture. She’s been holding court with women’s groups discussing critical issues like abortion and engaging Black communities on racial justice. She’s everywhere, doing the kind of energetic campaigning that Biden simply can’t manage anymore.
But here’s where it gets juicy. Harris’ approval ratings, while not stellar, are actually better than Biden’s. Her net disapproval rate has improved significantly since the beginning of the year, and she’s particularly popular among Black voters—a demographic where Biden has seen a significant drop. With Biden’s age casting a long shadow over his campaign, Harris presents a much-needed burst of vitality.
Now, let’s talk strategy. The Democrats have scheduled the first of two presidential debates way earlier than usual, on June 27. This timing is no accident. It’s a calculated move to give the party some flexibility. If Biden crashes and burns in the debate, the party will have enough time to regroup and consider an alternative before their convention. The stakes couldn’t be higher, with recent polls showing former President Trump leading in key swing states—a nightmare scenario for the Democrats.
Let’s not forget the down-ballot impact. Vulnerable Senate candidates in toss-up states like Pennsylvania and Nevada are reportedly distancing themselves from Biden, fearing his unpopularity could drag them down too. The party needs a shake-up, and fast.
So, what happens if Biden steps aside? Well, the Democratic convention could become a battleground. With around 4,000 delegates and 700 Super Delegates in play, a new candidate could emerge. And yes, while California Governor Gavin Newsom or Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer might throw their hats into the ring, they haven’t done the coast-to-coast politicking necessary to build a solid case. Harris, with her relentless campaigning and improved approval ratings, seems poised to take the lead.
The idea of Kamala Harris stepping up is more than just idle chatter. It’s a strategic pivot that could reshape the political landscape as we head into the 2024 election. With Biden’s popularity waning and the pressure mounting, the Democratic Party might find that a change at the top is necessary.