Staff Reports
Democrats are in a frenzy, debating whether it would be better to have a “dead” Joe Biden as their presidential candidate or to go with Vice President Kamala Harris. Sources from the Biden campaign, the White House, and the Democratic National Committee are considering Harris as the top alternative to replace Biden at the top of the ticket, according to Reuters.
Despite some recent polling showing Harris performing slightly better against former President Trump, experts warn that the Democrats might be stuck with Biden for various reasons. These include the logistical challenges of replacing Biden on all state ballots, moving funds to support a new candidate, and finding someone willing to essentially be a sacrificial lamb in the race.
Harris’s approval ratings are plummeting, sitting at a dismal 39 percent and falling below the crucial 50 percent threshold for incumbents seeking reelection. Her track record on addressing the border crisis has also come under fire, further diminishing her appeal.
Kamala > Biden in the betting markets, first time ever pic.twitter.com/SPPjQaKEAc
— matthew sigel, recovering CFA (@matthew_sigel) July 3, 2024
In a candid private call, Democratic strategist James Carville pointed out that Harris could be a more polarizing figure than even a deceased or incapacitated Biden. Donors expressed concerns over Biden’s viability against Trump and questioned what could be done to facilitate a change in the ticket to prevent a potential loss to the former president.
Despite growing doubts among Democrat voters and donors about Biden’s ability to defeat Trump, the president has made it clear that he intends to stay in the race, citing internal polling data to support his decision. Nevertheless, a CBS News/YouGov poll revealed that a significant 72 percent of registered voters believe Biden lacks the mental and cognitive capacity to effectively serve as president, further fueling concerns within the party.
As the Democrats grapple with internal turmoil and uncertainty over their best shot at the presidency, the prospect of a dead Joe Biden versus a faltering Kamala Harris looms large over the party’s strategists and supporters. The battle for the nomination and the potential consequences of their choice have left many wondering what the future holds for the Democratic ticket in the upcoming election.
