A recent surge in Democratic support for Vice President Kamala Harris assuming the presidency has ignited debate about the motivations behind President Biden's re-election bid and its potential ramifications. A new Suffolk University/USA Today poll shows 86% of Democratic Biden voters feel comfortable with Harris potentially leading the country if Biden cannot complete a second term.
This prospect, considered a genuine possibility by political insiders, could significantly impact the nation's political landscape. Former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard suggests the Democratic National Committee's strategy involves re-electing Biden, regardless of his age or capacity, and then having him replaced by Harris, who could then leverage her incumbency for a 2028 presidential run.
Gabbard, a former Democratic presidential candidate, questions Harris's qualifications and foresees potentially dire consequences for the country under her leadership. Democratic pollster Doug Schoen echoes these concerns, citing Harris's low approval ratings as a significant hurdle. Civil rights attorney and Fox News contributor Leo Terrell shares similar anxieties, suggesting Democrats are presenting Biden and Harris as a package deal in the 2024 election.
Terrell argues that Democrats are compelled to promote Harris as a viable successor to avoid alienating Black female voters, a key demographic. He asserts, however, that the public recognizes Harris's perceived incompetence. While Harris is Biden's confirmed running mate for 2024, a Monmouth University poll shows her overall approval rating remains low at 37%.
Marc Lotter, a former Trump administration official, views Harris as a potential liability for the Democratic ticket due to her unpopularity. However, some believe Democratic voters are primarily focused on Biden's re-election and not necessarily on Harris's potential succession. Former Democratic consultant Hank Sheinkopf believes Democrats are prioritizing Biden's re-election and will address Harris's readiness and qualifications later.
He emphasizes the need for Harris to demonstrate her foreign policy expertise, given public concerns about international relations and potential conflicts. Democratic strategist Leslie Marshall downplays the significance of polls and highlights the historical implications of a potential female president, particularly a woman of color. She acknowledges the challenges Harris faces due to her limited political experience compared to Biden.
Republican strategist Corinne Clark expresses skepticism about both Biden and Harris's prospects in 2024. She interprets the recent poll numbers not as enthusiasm for Harris but as a reflection of Democratic voters' dissatisfaction with Biden's performance and perceived mental decline. Despite Harris's overall low approval ratings, the Suffolk University/USA Today poll indicates strong support for her within the Democratic base. A Fox News poll shows a stark contrast in Harris's approval ratings among Democrats (73%) compared to independents (36%) and Republicans (15%).
