With questions swirling around their president’s viability as a 2024 candidate for reelection, the natural tendency for Democrats would be to look to the vice president. Many in the party, however, question whether Kamala Harris has the fundamental political skills needed for a run.
Many have come to terms with the realization that President Joe Biden may not be at the top of the Democratic ticket in 2024. Investigations are mounting into his family’s foreign business dealings, the economy is sagging, the border’s in crisis, and many simply question his age.
But turning to Harris for relief may not be an option.
The Washington Post’s Cleve R. Wootson Jr. approached several party members, and many spoke on the condition of anonymity. His conclusion? “Some Democrats are worried about Harris’ political prospects.”
Wootson noted that her term as vice president has been largely underwhelming. She has struggled to communicate a consistent message and much of the time has been unseen.
Reports: Joe Biden Urged To Ditch Kamala Harris In 2024 https://t.co/67i4ejTt4U
— Conservative Brief (@ConservBrief) January 10, 2023
He added that “many rank-and-file Democrats (are) unpersuaded that she has the force, charisma, and skill to mount a winning presidential campaign.”
One South Carolina Democratic strategist told the Post that “every fiber in my body wants her to be president, everything I’ve fought for is for someone like her to be president.”
However, they added that they are unsure if those who must be on board for a Harris presidential run feel the same way. They also said they do not know if she “has what it takes to get over the hump.”
And Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) took a very public step back from endorsing Harris to be on the 2024 ticket as Biden’s running mate if he chooses to seek reelection.
Last Friday, she told Boston radio station WGBH that Biden should indeed run again. However, she stopped far short of endorsing Harris to remain on the ticket, saying only that she wanted to “defer to what makes Biden comfortable on his team” and that “they have to be a team.”
Even though the progressive firebrand tried to backtrack Sunday, she clearly is hesitant to issue a full-throated endorsement of the vice president.
Harris will very likely be further in the spotlight as decision time looms for her boss. If he decides to run again, it is likely that she will be on the ticket. If he steps aside, however, many in her own party clearly wonder if she has the chops to make a successful run for the Oval Office.
