In the wake of President Joe Biden’s lackluster debate performance, Vice President Kamala Harris has emerged as a fierce defender of the president. She has garnered intense support to succeed him on the ticket if he were to step down, with allies making it clear that Harris would have broad party support in such a scenario. Many Black Democrats have vocalized their opposition to any attempt to push Harris aside, labeling such efforts as both racist and misogynistic.
Harris’s quick response to defend Biden after the debate has been praised for providing a blueprint for defending the president and has helped quiet some criticism she has faced. The Biden campaign has circulated her interviews to defend the president, and some Democrats have pointed to her performance as evidence that she should not be cast aside as a candidate if Biden were to exit the race. Despite this, questions remain about Harris’s popularity and ability to run at the top of the ticket.
Harris has been actively engaging with party leaders, activists, and donors to reassure them about the way forward with Biden as the nominee and to help unify the party. Allies insist that if Biden were to step down, Black women in the party would ensure that Harris is not passed over as his successor. Overall, the Democratic Party is focused on defeating Trump, with many emphasizing the need to support Biden as the nominee and not engage in talk of replacing him.
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