The seismic shift in Democratic strategy, substituting Joe Biden with Kamala Harris as the 2024 presidential nominee, is already showing signs of recoil, just as the election campaign heats up according to Breitbart.
The cascade of events that led to this drastic decision began unfolding with a critical debate in late June between incumbent President Joe Biden and Republican nominee Donald Trump. This was closely followed by an assassination attempt on Trump, and a series of political gains for the Republicans, including a successful National Convention held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Responding to these developments and a dip in his political fortunes, Joe Biden stepped down on a Sunday afternoon, creating a vacuum quickly filled by his Vice President, Kamala Harris.
Within just 48 hours of Biden's resignation, the Democratic leadership endorsed Harris without opting for an open nomination process.
Despite the initial burst of robust fundraising, where Harris raised over $80 million shortly after her nomination, the choice to forgo a traditional selection process and the quick substitution have raised alarms within the party and among the electorate.
Early polls show Harris trailing Trump by margins ranging from a razor-thin 2% to alarming double digits. This emerging trend suggests that the early enthusiasm for Harris might not translate into widespread electoral support.
The manner of Harris’s nomination has been termed a “corrupt coronation” by Republican circles, implying it wasn’t a transparent or democratic process. Moreover, influential groups like Black Lives Matter have echoed this sentiment, voicing their disappointment at the lack of wider candidate consideration.
Political commentator T.J. Rooney highlighted the potential struggles Harris might face in key counties of Pennsylvania due to her policies on fossil fuels. These counties previously supported Barack Obama, hinting that the Democratic base could be swayed by these concerns. “Remember, Barack Obama won counties like Erie, Cambria, Elk, Luzerne, and Northampton," Rooney stated, affirming that Harris’s challenges are rooted in policy rather than identity politics.
Even in strategic campaign choices, Harris appears to be courting battleground states like Nevada, Arizona, Georgia, and Pennsylvania, while paying less attention to crucial Midwest states like Michigan and Wisconsin. According to a Democratic operative, "The Midwest is not where the opportunity is for her," signaling a shift in traditional Democratic campaign strategies.
This approach aligns with commentary from political analyst Nate Silver, who expressed shock at the campaign's regional focus. Moreover, Harris's initial rally crowd sizes, notably smaller than anticipated, have not helped in dispelling doubts about her widespread appeal.
Further complicating the scenario are reports of Harris's negative reception impacting other Democrats in the race for the House and Senate. Such down-ticket implications are causing unrest within the party, indicating a broader electoral challenge.
Amid these developments, Trump's pollster, Tony Fabrizio, noted in a memo, “So, while the public polls may change in the short run and she may consolidate a bit more of the Democrat base, Harris can't change who she is or what she's done. Stay tuned.” This suggests that the Republican camp views Harris’s vulnerabilities as a potential advantage as the election progresses.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer tried to rally support for Harris during her introduction, awkwardly urging the audience to applaud her, which reflects the unease within the party about this decision.
The concerns are not unfounded, as expressed by Senator John Fetterman, who criticized the hurried dismissal of Biden from the race, potentially fracturing the party base further.
In conclusion, by embracing Kamala Harris as their presidential candidate, the Democrats have set forth a strategy replete with immediate gains in fundraising and delegate support but fraught with criticisms of transparency and electoral viability. The coming months will prove critical as Harris attempts to consolidate support across various demographics and regions while countering an emboldened Republican campaign. The dramatic reshuffling within the Democratic ranks underscores the unpredictable nature of this election cycle, placing the party's hopes in Harris's ability to navigate the complex political currents formed by her nomination.