Joe needs to go. But are Americans ready for President Harris?
The 2024 U.S. election cycle is poised for a major shift if President Joe Biden steps down and allows another Democrat to take his place against Donald Trump. Calls for Biden to step aside have grown louder, especially after his interview on ABC on July 5, where he firmly stated that only “the Lord almighty” could persuade him to quit. If Biden does relinquish the nomination, the obvious successor is Vice President Kamala Harris.
However, Harris carries her own set of concerns. Approval polls show that she is almost as unpopular as Biden, and she has yet to establish a clear identity as vice-president. Despite holding the position for several years, she lacks a signature issue or major achievements to define her tenure.
Her role in managing the southern border crisis, a key issue for the administration, has not garnered the kind of success or recognition Democrats would hope for. Similarly, her advocacy for abortion rights did not result in significant legislative or policy changes, leaving her efforts with little public impact.
Additionally, Harris faces criticisms often aimed at ambitious women in politics—she is seen by some as inauthentic or unlikeable. These perceptions, though subjective, are pervasive and raise questions about her ability to win over a broad swath of voters.
The key issue is whether Americans are ready to embrace Harris as president if Biden steps down. While she is an obvious candidate due to her position as VP, her lack of a strong personal brand and her struggles to distinguish herself from Biden may complicate her path to the presidency.
While Harris has the political advantage of incumbency, her unpopularity, combined with the perception that she has not carved out a distinct and effective role, leaves the Democratic Party with a difficult decision ahead as the election draws near.