Could Kamala Harris Beat Trump? Democrats Consider Their Options
On a sunny Saturday afternoon, Vice-President Kamala Harris shared her personal journey and accomplishments on stage at a Black cultural festival in New Orleans. This was a typical event for the first female, Black, and South Asian American vice-president, who often travels with a modest press entourage compared to President Joe Biden. However, with growing concerns among Democrats in Washington about the 81-year-old president’s ability to continue as the party’s candidate, the number of reporters following Ms. Harris had noticeably increased.
While addressing her audience in New Orleans, Ms. Harris avoided the pressing questions about President Biden’s suitability for office and the possibility of her stepping in as the Democratic nominee. Instead, she focused on ambition and perseverance, encouraging the crowd to ignore those who say, “It’s not your time. It’s not your turn. Nobody like you has done it before.”
Since the problematic CNN debate on June 27, Harris has staunchly defended President Biden, emphasizing that his presidency shouldn’t be judged solely by his debate performance. Biden himself remains resolute, insisting he will be the nominee despite growing calls for him to step aside. Some high-profile Democrats are now rallying behind the 59-year-old Harris as a natural successor if Biden withdraws. California Congressman Adam Schiff told NBC’s Meet The Press that Biden either needs to secure a decisive victory or pass the torch to someone like Harris, who he believes could “very well win overwhelmingly” against Trump.
This suggestion has sparked debate among Democrats. Some, including Biden supporters, view Harris as a vice-president who struggled to make an impact during her 2020 presidential bid and has faced criticism for her uneven performance and low approval ratings. Nonetheless, influential Democratic lawmakers like Schiff and South Carolina Congressman Jim Clyburn see her as the obvious choice if Biden steps down.
Harris supporters point to polls indicating she might perform better than Biden in a hypothetical matchup against Trump. They argue she has the national profile, campaign infrastructure, and appeal to younger voters needed for a smooth transition just four months before the election. Elevating her to the top of the ticket would be a significant turnaround for someone initially viewed as a political liability within the Biden administration.
Jamal Simmons, a longtime Democratic strategist and Harris’s former communications director, noted that she has often been underestimated. He stated, “Whether she’s a partner to the president or she has to lead the ticket, she is somebody who Republicans and the Trump campaign need to take seriously.”
In recent weeks, Harris has stayed close to President Biden, joining him at key events to demonstrate solidarity. She skipped her usual Independence Day tradition to be by Biden’s side at the White House, and she has focused her public remarks on criticizing Trump, positioning him as a threat to democracy and women’s rights.
The potential for Harris to replace Biden has not gone unnoticed by Republicans. Senator Lindsay Graham of South Carolina described her as a “vigorous” candidate, predicting a “dramatically different race” if she becomes the nominee. Trump himself has labeled her “pathetic,” while Republicans brace for her progressive California brand, likening her policies to those of Bernie Sanders.
The critical question for many Democrats is whether Harris has a better chance of beating Trump than Biden does, and opinions are mixed. A CNN poll suggested she might have a slight edge over Biden against Trump, but polling experts caution against taking such hypothetical surveys too seriously at this stage.
Harris, the daughter of an Indian mother and Jamaican father, performs better than Biden in polls with Black, Latino, and young voters—key demographics for the Democrats. Yet, it remains uncertain whether she can mobilize these voters effectively. Some Democrats worry her progressive stance might alienate union and blue-collar voters in battleground states.
There is also speculation about potential running mates if Harris takes the lead, with suggestions like Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro or North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper to attract centrist voters. Given the ages of Biden and Trump, voters are paying closer attention to the VP candidates this election cycle.
Despite her challenges, Harris has found her footing as a strong advocate for abortion rights, an issue that boosted Democratic support in the 2022 midterms. She has also focused on student debt forgiveness, climate change, and gun violence—issues important to young voters. However, her approval ratings remain low, similar to Biden and Trump.
At the Essence Festival in New Orleans, some attendees expressed support for Harris but were uncertain about her chances of winning. Ultimately, many Democrats seem resigned to backing Biden if he remains in the race, driven more by opposition to Trump than by strong enthusiasm for their candidate.
As the debate over Biden’s future continues, the Democratic Party faces a critical decision: whether to stick with the current ticket or pass the torch to Kamala Harris in hopes of securing victory in November.
