By John Q. Hosedrinker Kamala Harris’ camp is clearly feeling some heat as rumors swirl around potential replacements for President Biden that include Governor Gavin Newsom and Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The frustration seems to stem from the fact that these supposed allies are unhappy about the idea of them being floated as potential candidates over Vice President Harris. But who exactly is this so-called camp, and do they truly represent Harris’ own sentiments?
Looking back at the 2020 Democratic primaries, it’s evident that Harris struggled to resonate with voters, consistently polling poorly and ultimately dropping out early in the race. Since becoming Vice President, her approval ratings have not surged, and she has yet to achieve any significant success or notable achievements. The reality is, her popularity among the progressive left is low, and her party is more unified against her than even Biden faces.
It’s clear that Harris’ path to presidency is filled with obstacles, especially considering her lackluster performance in the primaries and her unimpressive tenure as Vice President. Her confrontational debate with Tulsi Gabbard exposed her vulnerabilities, and it’s evident that she still struggles to connect with voters and excite the electorate. Her platform seems to lack substance, and her approach to politics often comes off as self-aggrandizing identity politics.
In comparison, Governor Newsom and Governor Whitmer have garnered more widespread support and admiration, with Whitmer especially receiving praise for her leadership in Michigan. Their appeal seems to extend beyond just Democrats and resonates with a broader audience, making them potentially stronger candidates for the presidency. On the other hand, Harris’ unpopularity with both Democrats and independents raises serious doubts about her ability to win against formidable opponents like Trump.
As a lifelong Democrat, it’s disheartening to witness the party’s refusal to acknowledge the evident shortcomings of certain candidates and instead perpetuate a culture of entitlement. Harris, despite being a historic figure as the first Black female Vice President, has failed to gain substantial traction or positive reception. The emphasis on identity politics over political acumen has backfired, leaving the Democrats in a challenging position for future elections.
In the end, the priority should always be to choose the most capable and electable candidate who can effectively challenge the opposition and unite the country. Harris may have aspirations of becoming the first Black female president, but the reality is that her chances of winning a national election are slim, given her lack of widespread appeal and political accomplishments. The focus should be on selecting a candidate who can truly inspire and lead, rather than one who represents token diversity without substance.
If the Democrats hope to secure a victory and restore confidence in democracy, they must prioritize competence, likability, and broad appeal over personal ambitions and allegiances. The future of the party and the country depends on making strategic decisions that prioritize the collective well-being over individual aspirations. The time for real change and genuine leadership is now, and it’s crucial that the Democrats make the right choice for the future of the nation.