Kamala Harris Emerges as Leading Contender to Replace Joe Biden
In a recent development, Vice President Kamala Harris has emerged as the most viable candidate to potentially replace President Joe Biden, based on a flash poll conducted by Data for Progress. Amidst rumors about President Biden’s potential withdrawal from his reelection campaign following a bumpy debate performance, this revelation comes as strong news. The Biden campaign, however, has dismissed such speculation, maintaining that he has no plans to step aside.
The Data for Progress poll found that, in a hypothetical scenario where the Democratic Party holds a convention amongst its members to choose Biden’s replacement, Harris is the top choice for 39% of Democratic respondents. The poll included 1,011 likely U.S. voters, with a 3% margin of error, of which 387 were likely Democratic voters.
Harris Leads the Field
Vice President Kamala Harris, who also served as Biden’s vice president and running mate, appears to be the favorite among Democrats if they were to choose another candidate to replace Biden on the ticket.
In the same survey, California Governor Gavin Newsom emerged as the second most popular choice with 18% Democrats considering him suitable for the nomination. Other potential candidates including Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Senator Cory Booker, and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer received 10%, 7%, and 6% of votes respectively. Senator Amy Klobuchar, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro accounted for only 2% each of the total votes.
Reactions and Implications
Experts suggest that Democrats potentially replacing Biden opens up a risky venture into the unknown. Thomas Gift, an associate professor of political science and director of the Centre on U.S. Politics at University College London, indicated that while another candidate might have a higher upside potential, they also risk losing favorability after being exposed and vetted on the national scene.
The Data for Progress poll found that only 51% of Democrats and 35% of likely voters believe Biden should remain the Democratic presidential candidate. This statistical analysis coincides with a Morning Consult poll that indicates 47% of Democratic voters and 59% of independent voters suggest Biden should be replaced as the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate.
Biden’s Response
In the face of criticism, President Biden defended his position and candidacy at a rally in North Carolina. He acknowledged his perceived decline, stating, “Folks, I don’t walk as easy as I used to. I don’t speak as smoothly as I used to. I don’t debate as well as I used to. But I know what I do know: I know how to tell the truth. I know right from wrong. And I know how to do this job.” He added, “I would not be running again if I didn’t believe with all my heart and soul I can do this job.”
Elaine Kamarck, a member of the Democratic National Committee, offered a few potential scenarios on how Biden could be replaced as the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate if necessary, hinting at the still uncertain political landscape ahead of the 2024 election.
