News has broken that President Joe Biden appears poised to step aside after one tumultuous term, making way for the brand of identity politics that have come to define the modern Democratic Party. In a rather predictable move, Biden announced his withdrawal from the race amid mounting pressure from party insiders, and true to form, he has thrown his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris as his chosen successor. This endorsement may come as no surprise, but it certainly raises eyebrows regarding the selection process for the Democratic nominee.
Harris expressed her gratitude for Biden’s endorsement, declaring her intention to secure the nomination. She has taken the typical route of claiming to engage with Americans, though many wonder if voters will be as enthusiastic about her as she is about herself. Her focus is clear: uniting the Democratic Party to defeat Donald Trump, whom they label with increasingly dramatic terms. While she rallies her base, it’s evident that the internal rift within the party is anything but healed.
Given the current political climate, it’s difficult to imagine anyone other than Harris stepping up to the plate for the Democrats. The whispers among party operatives suggest that she has been gearing up for this role long before Biden’s exit became official. Some Democrats even feel that Harris is the natural choice to carry the torch if Biden vacated the field—suggesting that identity politics are ingrained in their short-sighted strategy. An unnamed Democratic House member conveniently noted that she has been actively campaigning as if she already holds the nomination.
BREAKING
President Bill Clinton and Secretary Hillary Clinton have endorsed VP Kamala Harris for the nomination:
“President Biden has capped his extraordinary career of service with a Presidency that has lifted America out of an unprecedented pandemic, created millions of new…
— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) July 21, 2024
The strong backing from the likes of Bill and Hillary Clinton certainly bolsters Harris’s prospects. However, the mere fact that prominent party figures are flocking to her side reveals the desperation and predictability at play. Democrats have become so entrenched in identity politics that it’s tough to believe they would ever select a white male candidate as their standard bearer—especially given the modern party’s fixation on race and gender. Harris fits the bill, and her identity will serve as a protective shield against any valid criticisms that might arise.
The reality is that Democrats are becoming more aware of their shrinking chances against Donald Trump. Recent polling indicates that Biden’s controversial tenure has not only weakened his position but has also allowed Trump to rise in favorability. Polls suggest that Harris offers Democrats a glimmer of hope, though her record as vice president leaves much to be desired. If the party’s hierarchy fears a repeat of the past, they may indeed use Harris as a sacrificial lamb in the upcoming election.
The prediction is clear: If Democratic leadership opts for Harris, they’re embracing a candidate whose identity is deemed more important than her policies or past performance. A loss in this election cycle could potentially set the party back further into a corner, allowing them to regroup for a more viable candidate in 2028. As the smoke clears, the Democrats may find themselves in a precarious position, grappling with the consequences of their choices while attempting to whip up a narrative that justifies their selection of Harris. The coming months will undoubtedly test the Democrats as they navigate the turbulent waters of their internal politics.