Joe Biden’s potential replacement by Kamala Harris in the presidential race has been causing quite a stir. While some pundits believe Harris could outperform Biden against Donald Trump, there are valid reasons to doubt her candidacy. The unpredictability of the electorate and the possibility of Harris’ popularity diminishing rather than increasing are significant concerns.
Drawing parallels to Hillary Clinton’s favorability numbers, which experienced a sharp decline during the 2016 campaign, raises questions about Harris facing a relentless opposition campaign. With Trump’s negatives already accounted for in polls, Harris could struggle to differentiate herself and make a compelling case for her candidacy beyond what Biden has already presented.
Would Kamala Harris be a better candidate than Joe Biden ?
DOUBTFUL 🤨 https://t.co/zU6BGPIFRE pic.twitter.com/9Gbm8Td6Ca— ✨🇺🇸Rojas 🇺🇸✨ (@mcucolo57) July 13, 2024
Critically, Harris’ involvement in handling the U.S.-Mexico border crisis poses a challenge. Despite being tasked with addressing the issue, the number of encounters at the border increased during her tenure. Her stance on illegal immigration as a civil enforcement issue could be a divisive point for voters.
Attempting to distance herself from Biden may not be a viable strategy, considering the perception of his moderation and decency that initially resonated with voters. Furthermore, Harris’s past contentious primary campaign and lack of strong support within her own party cast doubt on her ability to mobilize widespread backing.
With controversial statements in her track record, such as defending pro-Hamas protesters and perpetuating the Jussie Smollett hoax, Harris faces skepticism regarding her judgment and communication. The prospect of her ascending to the presidency, whether through Biden’s potential incapacity or her own candidacy, remains uncertain given these factors.
As conservatives observe this unfolding dynamic, the implications of Harris potentially leading the Democratic ticket raise concerns about her effectiveness as a national candidate. The strategic positioning of being the running mate may emerge as the most pragmatic path for Harris to pursue her presidential ambitions in the long run.