With Biden Out, Is Kamala Harris the Best Thing Democrats Can Come Against Trump?

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Over the weekend, key figures within the Democratic establishment voiced support for Vice President Kamala Harris following President Biden's unexpected withdrawal from the 2024 Presidential race. Desperate to end a month of turmoil and shift the contest, Democrats are throwing everything against the wall to see which one will stick. So far, only Kamala Harris managed to do so.

By Sunday night, Kamala Harris seemed to close in on the Democrat consensus. Curiously, no prominent party leaders declared their intention to secure the nomination for themselves. However, top congressional leaders and former President Barack Obama held back in declaring formal endorsements. This leads to an important question that the Democratic Party should answer: Is Kamala Harris the best they have right now? And will she be enough to overcome the Republican juggernaut led by a former president himself, Donald Trump?

Seizing the Base: Kamala Harris Takes Over Democrat Network and Biden’s Campaign Funds

In quick succession, Harris took command of Biden’s extensive political network and reached out to Democratic leaders to secure their backing. Expectedly, the Biden campaign meekly rebranded as “Harris for President,” and awarded her access to $96 million campaign fund chest.

Additionally, campaign leaders informed their team that their efforts would now support Harris’s candidacy. She also took time to address the nation, stating, “I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party — and unite our nation — to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda. We have 107 days until Election Day. Together, we will fight. And together, we will win.”

The Search for Kamala Harris’ Vice President

The rapid turn of events plunged the party and the nation into unfamiliar political territory. Unelected Democratic officials now have the final say over the party’s nominee which means that complicated decisions loom. More importantly, Harris must choose a running mate, take charge of the campaign with little time before early voting begins in some states in September. She’ll also need to rebuild support among voters who abandoned Biden early on. Finally, she’ll have her hands full preparing for a full-blown Republican frontal assault.

Speculation immediately turned to her potential running mate. Many Democrats privately argue Harris should pick a white man to widen her appeal and provide demographic balance to the ticket. Governors Roy Cooper of North Carolina, Andy Beshear of Kentucky, Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Tim Walz of Minnesota, and Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona have been frequently mentioned by donors, officials, and other lawmakers.

Can Kamala Harris Survive Donald Trump?

From a conservative perspective, the matchup between Harris and Trump presents a fascinating dynamic. Harris, as a seasoned politician and the first woman of color to be nominated for president by a major party, brings a historic and symbolic significance to the race. However, conservatives argue that Harris faces significant challenges against Trump.

First, Harris must address the enthusiasm gap. While Biden had managed to rally a broad coalition of Democrats, Harris’s ability to inspire the same level of enthusiasm remains unproven. Trump, on the other hand, continues to command a fiercely loyal base that turns out in large numbers.

What Does Kamala Harris Stand For?

Second, Harris must contend with her record and public perception. Conservatives point to her tenure as California’s attorney general and her time in the Senate, highlighting instances where her positions have shifted or appeared contradictory. Trump’s campaign is likely to exploit these vulnerabilities, painting her as inconsistent and untrustworthy.

Moreover, Harris’s association with the progressive wing of the Democratic Party may alienate moderate and independent voters. Trump’s campaign will undoubtedly emphasize her support for policies like the Green New Deal and Medicare for All, portraying her as too radical for mainstream America. In contrast, Trump will position himself as a defender of traditional values and economic stability, appealing to voters who are wary of progressive policies.

Can Harris Unify the Restless Democrats?

Transitioning into campaign strategies, Harris must also navigate the challenge of uniting a divided party. The Democratic Party, encompassing a broad spectrum of ideologies, requires careful balancing to avoid alienating any faction. Trump’s campaign will likely exploit any perceived rifts within the Democratic ranks. This can further complicate Harris’s task of presenting a unified front.

In terms of debates, Harris’s sharp prosecutorial skills could be both an asset and a liability. While she is capable of delivering strong, pointed arguments, she must avoid coming across as overly aggressive, which could alienate undecided voters. Trump’s debate style, characterized by his combative and unfiltered approach, will require Harris to find a balance between assertiveness and composure.

Another critical aspect will be Harris’s ability to address economic concerns. Trump will emphasize his administration’s economic achievements before the pandemic and argue that his policies will lead to a robust recovery. Harris must present a compelling economic vision that addresses both immediate recovery and long-term growth, convincing voters that she can manage the economy effectively.

Is Kamala Harris the Best Thing the Democrats Can Come Up With?

Kamala Harris’s sudden rise as the Democratic nominee introduces a new dynamic to the 2024 presidential race. From a conservative viewpoint, her matchup with Trump presents both opportunities and challenges. Harris must navigate an enthusiasm gap, address vulnerabilities in her record, and unite a divided party, all while countering Trump’s strong base and economic messaging. The coming months will reveal whether Harris can effectively consolidate support and present a compelling alternative to Trump’s candidacy.

Yet, the biggest question remains: Is Kamala Harris an improvement over Joe Biden? Even if she is, it may not be enough to overcome the fervent support and formidable campaign strategy of Donald Trump. Conservatives remain unconvinced, and for good reason.

What do you think of Kamala Harris pinch hitting for Joe Biden? Can she match up with Donald Trump and deliver a Democrat win this November? Tell us what you think.