Kamala Harris campaigns amidst doubts about Democratic talent pool
Vice President Kamala Harris Hits the Campaign Trail: Who Will Join Her?
Vice President Kamala Harris is taking to the campaign trail as her party fights to retain control of the White House for the next four years. The question now is, which other Democrats will step up to support her?
Harris is recognized as a crucial advocate for President Joe Biden, particularly in reaching out to black, Latino, and younger voters. She recently addressed a group of union members and is set to embark on a nationwide tour advocating for abortion rights on Jan. 22, the anniversary of the landmark Roe v. Wade decision in 1973.
“More than most of her recent predecessors, she has embraced a role as public spokesperson for the administration regarding issues of importance, such as reproductive rights, climate change, gun violence, [and] inclusivity,” said Joel Goldstein, a professor at Saint Louis University.
Speaking to the party’s base is a traditional duty for vice presidents, and Harris, as the first female and minority vice president, is particularly attuned to this role.
However, Harris finds herself campaigning for 81-year-old Biden, who ran four years ago promising to bridge the gap to the next generation of Democratic politicians. The fact that Biden still commands the spotlight today may indicate the lack of strong, young candidates within the party.
Harris herself has faced questions about her electability and ability to connect with voters. Her approval rating currently stands at 35.9%, according to the RealClearPolitics average, a historically low figure that falls below that of her boss. She also faces the challenge of reaching a wide range of voters and could benefit from the support of state-level Democratic surrogates.
While several figures have generated buzz about potential future presidential campaigns, such as Governor Gavin Newsom of California, many of them have already gained significant national recognition, leading to speculation about when their own presidential campaigns will begin.
Alongside Harris and Newsom, there are several promising governors who have yet to make a breakthrough on the national stage, including Governors Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, Andy Beshear of Kentucky, and Wes Moore of Maryland.
On the other end of the spectrum, there are Democratic superstars from past decades who can still captivate a crowd but represent the party’s past rather than its future.
Party leaders insist that each of these individuals will contribute in their own way as Biden embarks on what is likely the last campaign of his 50-year political career.
“The Obamas still generate incredible excitement, but the choice of surrogate depends on the audience they are addressing,” said Tom Cochran, a Democratic strategist. “Whitmer, Moore, Beshear, and Newsom are all excellent in the right setting. The most important thing is to emphasize that this is a team effort to keep the White House for the Democrats.”
With the possibility of former President Donald Trump returning to the White House, rallying support should not be a problem.
Biden himself made this case in a lengthy speech near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, where he denounced Trump as a loser and an existential threat to democracy. While the speech commemorated the third anniversary of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, the threat Trump poses to democracy will undoubtedly be a prominent theme for other party leaders as Election Day approaches.
Some once-prominent Democratic figures have lost their shine. Senator Bernie Sanders, 82, will not run for president again after gaining popularity among progressives in the 2016 and 2020 cycles. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who won the 2020 Iowa caucus, has faced controversies as a member of Biden’s Cabinet.
One Democrat who believes the party needs younger blood is Representative Dean Phillips of Minnesota, who initially tried to encourage other prominent party members to run before deciding to do so himself.
Republicans will undoubtedly argue that Biden’s presence on the campaign trail at 81 reflects a lack of talent within the party, labeling him as low-energy and in need of rest.
However, longtime Democratic strategist Michael Stratton insists that the party’s bench is ready and willing to support Biden this year before turning to the rising stars in governors’ offices.
“Despite what the media may say, the party will be very united behind the president,” Stratton said. “Many people will be out there campaigning in swing states, and the Democratic governors are a perfect example of the strength that Biden will have.”
What role are the Obamas expected to play in campaign efforts and what impact will their involvement have on the Democratic Party’s future leaders?
Bounce, a Democratic strategist.
Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama are both immensely popular within the party and are expected to play a significant role in campaign efforts. However, their involvement may be more focused on rallying the base and energizing Democratic voters rather than paving the way for the party’s future leaders.
In addition to these well-known figures, there is a host of rising stars within the Democratic Party who could potentially join Harris on the campaign trail. Some of these include Senators Cory Booker of New Jersey, Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, who all made significant runs for the Democratic nomination in the 2020 presidential primaries. These senators have proven themselves to be charismatic and dynamic speakers, capable of connecting with diverse audiences across the country.
Another potential candidate who could join Harris is Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts. With her progressive policies and ability to engage young voters, Warren could be a valuable asset to the campaign. Additionally, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and California Senator Alex Padilla, who were both appointed to their current positions, have also been speculated as potential campaign trail allies for Harris.
While the Democratic Party has a wealth of potential supporters for Harris, it is important to note the challenges that lie ahead. The party needs to strike a delicate balance between rallying the base and reaching out to new voters. It is crucial for Harris and her allies to connect with voters of all backgrounds and demographics to secure a successful campaign.
Furthermore, Harris herself must address the concerns surrounding her electability and approval ratings. She needs to proactively address these issues and present a compelling vision for the future that resonates with the American people.
In the end, the success of Harris’ campaign will depend on the ability of her and her fellow Democrats to rally support and inspire voters across the country. As the campaign trail heats up, it remains to be seen who will join Harris in her efforts, but one thing is for certain – the future of the Democratic Party hinges on their ability to engage and mobilize a diverse electorate.
“The vice president’s success on the campaign trail will not only have an impact on her own political future but also on the broader trajectory of the Democratic Party,” said Alice Howard, a political analyst at Georgetown University.
As Harris embarks on this journey, the eyes of the nation will be on her and her fellow Democrats, eagerly awaiting their message and the future they hope to shape.
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