Staff Reports
Rep. Jim Clyburn recently made a hilarious push for President Joe Biden to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor, just moments before Biden bowed out of the 2024 race. It’s as if Clyburn had his own agenda lined up for this scenario, hoping that the transfer of power will go as smoothly as a handoff at a football game—only there’s no real playbook and the whole team is fumbling.
In the hours leading up to Biden’s announcement, Clyburn and the president shared a private phone call in which Biden reportedly read his withdrawal statement. Clyburn took the opportunity to remind him of a crucial detail that seemed lacking. His advice? Biden simply could not leave the political arena without backing Harris. Apparently, the great minds in the Democratic Party have settled on the idea that endorsing a deeply unpopular vice president is the best way to energize their base. Talk about a bold strategy!
Washington Examiner: Clyburn pushed Biden to include endorsement in announcement he was stepping aside https://t.co/oQdoB5Xjgl
— Ian’s Newsfeed 🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@IanHNewsFeed) August 21, 2024
Clyburn, no stranger to the political limelight, has long positioned himself as one of the most influential figures in the Democratic Party. Back in 2020, his support for Biden was seen as a pivotal moment that somewhat salvaged a sinking campaign. Now he appears to be angling for a similar miracle by propping up Harris, who has often been the subject of ridicule regarding her effectiveness and popularity. Is Clyburn setting the stage for another do-or-die moment? It seems the Democrats think that doubling down on their previous choices is the way forward.
It’s also worth noting that Clyburn has been beating the drum for Harris since early July, indicating that he was ready to back her for the top slot if Biden exited the field. His pitch on MSNBC displayed a conviction that some might find perplexing, given Harris’s track record. But in Clyburn’s world, everything aligns perfectly. He believes the party should either boost her campaign to the top of the ticket or support her transition to a potential presidency. That way, they can get the weak link in the chain into the spotlight just a little more brightly.
As Biden prepares to give his speech at the Democratic National Convention endorsing Harris, it’s clear that Clyburn sees himself not just as a supporter but as a crucial player in shaping the future of the party. His earlier speech at the convention praised both Biden and Harris, but it’s important to remember that this is the same woman whose ticking clock on political capital runs a bit short. The Democrats may think they are securing their future, but it seems they’re just trying to pass the baton without realizing it’s attached to a lead weight. With Clyburn pushing Harris forward, readers are left wondering if this truly is a fresh start or just the same old tired play being recycled in the hope that it somehow lands differently this time.
