Biden's likely successor: Kamala Harris emerges as the leading candidate
In the political landscape of the United States, the 2024 presidential race is shaping up to be a significant contest, with the issue of reproductive rights and the legacy of Roe v Wade taking centre stage. The US Supreme Court's decision to overturn the landmark ruling in 2022 has ensured that this contentious matter will be a key point of contention in the upcoming election.
Currently, President Joe Biden is in office, but one in three Democrats now believe he should withdraw from the presidential race. Vice President Kamala Harris, who made history as the first woman of colour to hold the second-most powerful position in the nation following the Biden-Harris victory in the 2020 presidential election, is emerging as a potential successor.
Harris has assumed a more active role in advocating for reproductive rights in America, embarking on a national tour to highlight the threats posed to these entitlements by a second Trump presidency. In recent months, she has been vocal about the need to protect reproductive rights, positioning herself as a strong advocate for this cause.
The polling data suggests that Harris, should she replace Biden as the Democratic nominee, shows some gains among key demographics such as white voters compared to Biden’s 2020 figures but still generally trails the leading Republican candidate in head-to-head matchups by a narrow margin. A recent NPR/PBS News/Marist poll found Harris at 46% among white voters versus Trump's 51%, an improvement from the 40% support she had immediately after Biden's withdrawal and endorsement. Another Marquette Law School poll showed Harris trailing Trump by 8 points among white voters, 42% to 50%.
Her national favorability is moderate, around mid-40s percent, according to a December 2024 survey. This reflects moderate public support but also indicates substantial mixed opinions among voters.
Jim Clyburn, a prominent African-American congressman, has stated he would support Harris to be the Democratic nominee if Biden quits the race. Elaine Kamarck, a senior fellow at Brookings, has written that 'analysts have underestimated the size of the pro-choice vote' and that it was instrumental in blocking the expected red wave in the 2022 midterms. Camille Busette, the interim vice-president and director of governance studies at the Brookings think-tank, stated that Harris' identity as a black and Asian woman was a 'real factor' in the 2020 election.
In March 2022, Vice-President Harris spoke at an event in Selma, Alabama, to mark the 59th anniversary of 'Bloody Sunday'. Harris acknowledged the continuing anger felt by many in the US, especially its youth, at the worsening situation in Gaza during her speech. She called on Israel to do more for Gazans 'dying of malnutrition and dehydration' and demanded that the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not 'impose any unnecessary restrictions on the delivery of aid'.
Kamala Harris was born on October 20th, 1964, in Oakland, California. If she were to run for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2024, she would have access to a $300 million campaign war chest.
In the event that Biden steps aside, Harris could be a formidable contender in the Democratic primaries. Her strong advocacy for reproductive rights, her appeal to key demographics, and her moderate national favorability make her a compelling choice for Democrats looking for a fresh face to lead the party.
References:
- NPR/PBS News/Marist Poll
- December 2024 Survey
- RealClearPolitics
- Quinnipiac Polling
- The debate over policy and legislation, particularly reproductive rights, is a key element of the 2024 presidential race, with Kamala Harris taking an active role in education and self-development on this issue.
- Personal growth and career development are essential aspects for candidates, and Harris, with a potential $300 million campaign fund, could leverage her advocacy for reproductive rights as a strong point in sports-betting polls for the Democratic nomination.
- The political landscape has been heavily influenced by war and conflicts, crises such as the ongoing tension in Gaza drawing attention during Harris' speeches, most notably her address at the Selma commemorative event in March 2022.
- General news outlets like NPR/PBS News, RealClearPolitics, and Quinnipiac Polling frequently cover Harris' political rise, focusing on her growing support among white voters and her moderate national favorability.
- Although still trailing the leading Republican candidate in some polls, Kamala Harris' potential nomination could attract voters due to her diverse background, with analysts like Elaine Kamarck emphasizing the significance of policies supporting personal growth and human rights, such as reproductive rights, in electoral outcomes.
