Obvious Successor
In the unlikely event Biden decides not to run, his 59-year-old vice president and running mate, Kamala Harris, would be the most obvious successor.
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However, her nomination would not be guaranteed, as other candidates might challenge her, given her low approval ratings.
Competition Among Democrats
Some Democrats are already considering other potential contenders.
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These include Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer, Illinois governor JB Pritzker, California governor Gavin Newsom, and Maryland governor Wes Moore.
Little Support for Harris
The discussion about Biden stepping down without considering Harris highlights the lack of full support for her as Biden’s successor.
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Writer Tanzina Vega expressed this sentiment on X, criticizing the disregard for Harris, a woman of color.
Breaking Barriers
Harris, the highest-ranking female elected official in U.S. history and the first Black and Asian American vice president, was part of a diverse and progressive field in the 2020 election.
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Biden had then promised to be a “bridge” to the next generation of Democratic leaders, which many interpreted as a commitment to serve only one term and then pass the leadership to Harris.
Democrat’s Different Opinions
Despite this, Biden decided to run again, believing he was still the best candidate to defeat Trump.
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Harris’s tenure as vice president has been divisive among Democrats.
Unpopular with Poll Voters
Negative press and a challenging policy portfolio have affected her public image, with nearly 50% of voters viewing her unfavorably according to 538’s polling average.
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Despite this, Harris has become a strong advocate for abortion rights, a crucial issue for Democrats.
Harris Defends Biden
On the second anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe v. Wade, Harris issued a strong warning about Trump’s stance on reproductive rights.
Source: @VP, X
Harris defended Biden’s debate performance, urging voters to consider his achievements over the past three and a half years rather than just the debate.
Slow Start But Strong Finish
During interviews on CNN and MSNBC, she acknowledged Biden’s slow start but emphasized his strong finish and significant accomplishments.
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At a rally in Las Vegas, Harris reiterated her support for Biden, highlighting his leadership in negotiating bipartisan deals and maintaining national security.
Crucial Second Debate
The upcoming second debate in September and a potential vice-presidential debate between Harris and Trump’s running mate will be crucial.
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Polls indicate that in a hypothetical matchup against Trump, Harris performs similarly to Biden, with both trailing the former president by a few points. Harris fares better with Black voters but worse with Hispanic voters and men.
Age Won’t Stop Biden
Biden’s age has been a concern for voters, and his debate performance has amplified these worries.
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At a rally in North Carolina, Biden acknowledged his age-related challenges but insisted he was still the best candidate to defeat Trump.
No Time for Replacement
With the Democratic convention scheduled for mid-August in Chicago, some Democrats argue there isn’t enough time to replace Biden as the nominee.
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Bakari Sellers, a former South Carolina lawmaker and Democratic commentator, expressed that the choice is between Trump, Biden, or not voting, affirming his support for Biden.