Staff Reports
In a recent interview on “Meet the Press,” Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina refused to crown Vice President Kamala Harris as the “future of the Democratic Party.” When asked if Harris was the future, Clyburn hesitated and only stated that she was a part of that future. This lack of commitment speaks volumes about the doubts surrounding Harris’s potential to lead the party.
It’s no surprise that Americans aren’t too keen on Harris either. According to an NBC News survey, she has a lower favorability rating than even President Joe Biden. With only 31 percent favorability, it’s clear that Harris has some work to do to win over the American people. This lackluster performance should raise red flags for the Democrats who were hoping she would become their rising star.
WATCH: Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) stops short of calling Vice President Harris the future of the Democratic Party.@RepJamesClyburn: “She could very well be … It’s not a given. You don’t automatically move up. She’ll have to compete.” pic.twitter.com/lttqy5OgHw
— Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) September 24, 2023
Clyburn attempted to downplay the unfavorable numbers by highlighting Harris’s historic role as the first woman of color and first woman to be vice president. He argued that these factors may contribute to her lower favorability rating when compared to the precedents. However, Clyburn’s attempts to defend Harris fall short in addressing the underlying reasons for her unpopularity. It seems that the American people are not convinced that she has what it takes to be a successful leader.
Furthermore, Harris herself has acknowledged the concerns over President Biden’s age and has positioned herself as a potential replacement. While Biden insists he’s in good health, Harris’s willingness to step into the presidency “if necessary” raises questions about her loyalty and commitment to the current administration.
Overall, it is clear that Harris’s future within the Democratic Party is uncertain. Her lack of appeal to the American people, combined with her own ambitions for higher office, creates a sense of instability. It remains to be seen whether Harris can overcome these obstacles and prove herself as a capable leader. Only time will tell, but for now, the jury is still out on whether she truly represents the future for the Democratic Party.
