California Gov. Gavin Newsom vows he’s not running for president in 2024, but top Democrats claim he is.
Vice President Kamala Harris has the inside edge for the nomination should her boss Joe Biden not run.
That could set up a head-to-head betweeen the two, with Democrats forceed to choose sides.
The Democratic Party, though currently appearing united, finds itself in a fragile state, momentarily kept in harmony by shared apprehension and aversion towards Donald Trump. However, the undercurrents of division between different factions, such as labor versus environment, the Jewish vote versus the Muslim vote, and the clash between center-left and hardcore progressivism, cannot be restrained indefinitely.
Amongst these potential conflicts, the most intense battle on the horizon could unfold between Vice President Kamala Harris and California Governor Gavin Newsom when President Biden eventually departs from the political stage.
One thing is certain – this forthcoming showdown is unlikely to be a pleasant spectacle.
Appointing Harris as his running mate was a calculated decision by Biden – positioning her as the heir-apparent. The choice made sense from a strategic perspective, as vice-presidential nominations primarily aim to unite the party and counterbalance the weaknesses of the presidential nominee. By joining forces with a minority female candidate as an old, white male Catholic, Biden tactfully ticked crucial identity checkboxes. Moreover, given the limitations imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic during the 2020 campaign, Harris performed reasonably well, capitalizing on the “not Trump” sentiment among voters.
However, despite having the opportunity to establish herself as the Democratic Party’s beacon of hope for the future, Harris has displayed a level of ineptitude. Something seems amiss. Her speeches lack vigor, often punctuated by ill-considered ad-libs. Her interactions with voters mirror the awkwardness reminiscent of Hillary Clinton. Despite her extensive experience in the progressive landscape of California, Harris has demonstrated little ability to resonate with the more centrist populations across the remaining 49 states. Even in her involvement with the challenging issue of immigration, she has failed to distinguish herself. If she currently has any meaningful policy responsibilities, they certainly do not appear evident.
However, what must be particularly disheartening for Harris, and indicative of how she is perceived within the corridors of Democratic power, is the conspicuous lack of interest in her replacing Biden as the nominee. Joe Biden’s approval ratings are abysmal – he has been underwater for the past two years.
Furthermore, he lags behind Trump in multiple polls assessing potential election outcomes – a noteworthy feat considering Trump’s numerous troubles. One would expect the prospect of a double-minority woman like Harris replacing Biden to be the subject of fervent discussions. Yet, curiously, it remains conspicuously absent from political discourse.