It’s 2024, and the political circus is back in town. This time, we’re treated to the thrilling possibility of Kamala Harris stepping up to face the perennial favourite, Donald Trump. If Joe Biden were to heed the whispers urging him to step aside for the 2024 presidential race, Harris would be his natural successor. Does Kamala Harris genuinely have a better shot at defeating the Donald?
Harris: The Natural Successor or the Last Resort?
The Democratic Party, in its infinite wisdom, is contemplating whether Harris, with her impressive title but unimpressive tenure, could actually be a better candidate than the current commander-in-chief.
According to recent polls, Harris could potentially do better against Trump than Biden. A CNN poll from July 2nd shows Trump leading Biden by six points, but only trailing Harris by a hair’s breadth. Is this a sign of hope for the Democrats, or just a statistical anomaly? And let’s not forget the independent voters who seem to prefer Harris by a slim margin.
The Democrats’ Dilemma
Influential Democrats are lining up behind Harris, much like fans at a concert hoping the opening act isn’t terrible. Figures like Jim Clyburn and Hakeem Jeffries have indicated Harris might be the party’s best shot if Biden decides to step down.
Let’s not sugarcoat it: Harris’s approval ratings are dismal. She’s seen negatively by the majority of Americans, but then again, so are both Biden and Trump. . Harris’s tenure has been marked by failed policy initiatives and a public persona that hasn’t exactly inspired confidence. Yet, some Democrats believe she can energize key voter groups that have become disillusioned with Biden.
Abortion Rights: The Ace Up Harris’s Sleeve?
Harris has become the Biden administration’s go-to voice on reproductive rights since the Supreme Court’s controversial decision to repeal Roe v. Wade. This issue is a potential goldmine for rallying support among women and younger voters. But will it be enough to outweigh her other shortcomings?
Interestingly, some Republican donors would rather see Trump face Biden than Harris. This is not because they think she’s a stronger candidate, but because she’s seen as unpredictable and potentially more damaging in a debate against Trump. Her background as a prosecutor might give her an edge in tearing down Trump’s façade, but will that be enough?
Money, Money, Money
Fundraising is another sticking point. Harris has historically lagged behind Biden in this department. Her 2020 campaign was a financial flop compared to Biden’s cash flow. Yet, in 2020, the Biden-Harris ticket did manage to raise a staggering $48 million in 24 hours after she was announced as the running mate. Can she repeat this magic trick?
No discussion about Harris would be complete without mentioning the inevitable race and gender attacks. Conservative pundits are already sharpening their knives, recycling old criticisms about her laugh and questioning her qualifications. These attacks are a staple in the playbook against women of colour in politics, and unfortunately, they’re not going away anytime soon.
The Lesser of Two Evils?
In the end, the question remains: Can Kamala Harris beat Donald Trump? The answer is as confusing as ever. Harris might be a fresh face compared to the weary Biden, but she comes with her own baggage. As America gears up for another election cycle, one thing is clear: the political circus is in full swing, and the clowns are running the show.
