Biden Out, Harris In: Can Kamala Win The US Presidency?

In a surprising turn of events, Joe Biden, the Democratic nominee for the 2024 presidential election, has decided to step down from the race, handing the baton to his running mate, Kamala Harris. This unprecedented move has left the nation with many questions and speculations about the motivations behind Biden’s decision. Let us delve into the facts and evidence surrounding this significant development.

Joe Biden Stepping Down from the Elections

on July 21, 2024, Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the presidential race due to health concerns. Citing his age and recent decline in physical stamina, Biden recognised the necessity of having a strong leader to represent the Democratic Party. This decision came after consultations with medical experts and close advisors, who expressed concerns about his ability to handle the demands of a presidential campaign and potential presidency.

There have been rumours about Biden’s concerns regarding Donald Trump’s support following a failed assassination attempt, but these lack concrete evidence. Biden’s decision to step down was mainly driven by health issues and a desire to ensure the party’s success in the upcoming election.

Despite leading in areas such as working with officials from opposing parties and making decisions on abortion policy, there are doubts about Biden’s mental sharpness. A Pew Research Center survey indicates that while Biden performs well in certain areas, Donald Trump is perceived as having an edge in terms of voters’ confidence in his physical and mental fitness.

After Biden’s poor debate performance and concerns about his control over Congress, some Democrats, including Chuck Schumer, urged him to step aside. These calls were largely strategic, aiming to bolster the party’s chances in the election. Ultimately, the decision to step down was Biden’s.

In summary, the discussions surrounding Biden’s candidacy were influenced by health and strategic considerations rather than fears that Trump’s support would boost his vote count.

Kamala Harris’s Role and Strategic Importance

Joe Biden’s selection of Kamala Harris as his running mate was a strategic move with several key objectives:

1. Appealing to Diverse Voters: Harris’s background as the first African American and South Asian American woman on a major party’s presidential ticket was aimed at resonating with various communities, including African Americans. This choice was intended to demonstrate inclusivity and regain trust among key voter groups.

2. Bringing a Fresh Perspective: Harris’s experience as a senator and former prosecutor provided a unique viewpoint that complemented Biden’s extensive political experience. This combination aimed to present a balanced ticket capable of addressing a wide range of issues.

3. Breaking Racial and Gender Barriers: Her selection was historic, representing a significant step forward in breaking racial and gender barriers in American politics. It was a milestone celebrated by many, particularly by those who felt overlooked and undervalued in society.

4. Addressing Criticisms and Building Support: Harris faced criticism regarding her progressive credentials and her record as a prosecutor. Her selection provided an opportunity to address these criticisms and build broader support within the Democratic Party.

Kamala Harris’s role was crucial for appealing to diverse voters, offering a fresh perspective, breaking barriers, and addressing criticisms to strengthen support for Biden’s campaign.

Donald Trump’s New Campaign Strategy Against Kamala Harris

Donald Trump’s campaign strategy against Kamala Harris focuses on emphasising alleged inconsistencies in her policy positions and scrutinising her past decisions as a prosecutor. The aim is to portray Harris as a radical left-wing candidate and highlight her support for progressive policies such as Medicare for All.

The campaign seeks to revive criticisms from the 2020 Democratic primary, where Harris was criticised for being lenient on crime and first-time drug offenders. They also plan to use Harris’ prosecutorial record to counteract Trump’s recent criminal conviction in New York related to a hush-money scheme.

The Trump campaign believes that Democrats might face backlash from their progressive base if they consider sidelining Harris, who is a historic figure as the first Black female nominee of the party. However, there is some uncertainty among Trump’s senior advisers about whether she will ultimately be the Democratic nominee.

Controversies Surrounding Kamala Harris

Kamala Harris has faced criticism from both conservatives and progressives. Critics from the left question her prosecutorial record and criminal justice policies, while conservatives challenge her positions on healthcare and immigration.

From the left, concerns focus on Harris’s record as a prosecutor. Critics argue she did not embrace criminal justice reforms and was not as progressive as she claims. During her tenure as San Francisco’s district attorney (2004-2011), she opposed reforms and upheld wrongful convictions involving misconduct, evidence tampering, and false testimony. Her reluctance to release prisoners and anti-truancy policies are seen as contradictory to her progressive identity, despite her self-description as a “progressive prosecutor.”

Conservatives criticise Harris’s positions on healthcare and immigration. They view her healthcare proposals as too liberal compared to other Democratic candidates like Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders. Her stance on immigration, including her criticism of the Trump administration’s treatment of pregnant women in detention, has also drawn conservative criticism.

These controversies could impact her campaign, influencing public opinion and voter support.

Kamala Harris’s Fundraising Success and Support Base

Kamala Harris’s fundraising campaign has achieved remarkable success, setting new records for donations. Her campaign raised over $100 million within 24 hours after President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race. This surge marked the largest single-day total in U.S. history and the biggest online donation haul for Democrats since 2020. More than 888,000 grassroots donors contributed, with over 500,000 making their first donation of the 2024 cycle, and 43,000 becoming new recurring donors.

Harris’s fundraising success is attributed to strong support from grassroots contributors, prominent individuals, and influential organisations. Major donors and fundraisers from her previous campaign have renewed their support, and her long history with the tech industry has garnered backing from Silicon Valley. The broad coalition of supporters and a high number of first-time donors reflect the enthusiastic and diverse base backing her candidacy.

In summary, Kamala Harris’s campaign has excelled in fundraising, showcasing widespread support and significant financial backing for her historic bid.

Support and Opposition

Kamala Harris attracts a diverse coalition, including African Americans, women, young voters, and progressives. Her support stems from her prosecutorial experience and commitment to criminal justice reform, including eliminating private prisons and mandatory minimum sentences. Her focus on racial and social justice resonates particularly with African American voters and younger, progressive individuals.

Critics, especially conservatives, argue that Harris’s policy positions are too progressive and question her prosecutorial record. They label her a “cop” due to her tough-on-crime approach and criticise her support for budget cuts to the Los Angeles Police Department. Some also question her transparency and approach to convictions during her tenure as a prosecutor.

Critics, especially conservatives, argue that Harris’s policy positions are too progressive and question her prosecutorial record. They label her a “cop” due to her tough-on-crime approach and criticise her support for budget cuts to the Los Angeles Police Department

Overall, while Harris has broad support among certain groups, she faces criticism from those concerned about her policies and prosecutorial record.

Kamala Harris’s Background

Kamala Harris was born on 20 October 1964 in Oakland, California. Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, a Tamil Indian-American biologist, moved to the U.S. in 1958 for graduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley. Gopalan’s work on the progesterone receptor gene contributed significantly to breast cancer research.

Her father, Donald J. Harris, a Jamaican American with Afro-Jamaican and Irish-Jamaican ancestry, arrived in the U.S. in 1961 for graduate studies at UC Berkeley, where he later became a professor of economics.

Shyamala Gopalan and Donald Harris met at UC Berkeley, married in 1963, and had two daughters, Kamala and Maya. They were involved in the civil rights movement and attended protests together.

Kamala Harris grew up in Berkeley, California, attended Howard University for her undergraduate degree, and studied law at the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.

Her background is influenced by her parents’ immigrant experiences, their dedication to social justice, and their academic and scientific contributions.

Career Path and Political Entry

Kamala Harris began her career as a prosecutor in the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, focusing on child sexual assault cases. She later worked at the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office, managing the Career Criminal Unit.

In 2003, Harris was elected District Attorney of San Francisco, becoming the first African American and South Asian American woman to hold the office. Her tenure as district attorney paved the way for her statewide attorney general bid.

In 2010, she was elected Attorney General of California, making history as the first woman, African American, and South Asian American in the role. During her tenure, Harris introduced initiatives for stricter consequences for truancy and legislation targeting excessive student absenteeism.

In 2016, Harris was elected to the U.S. Senate, becoming the first woman, African American, and South Asian American senator from California.

Kamala Harris’s Vision for America’s Future

Kamala Harris’s plan for the USA addresses pressing issues such as healthcare, climate change, criminal justice reform, and economic inequality. She aims to expand access to affordable healthcare, implement comprehensive climate change policies, reform the criminal justice system, and promote economic opportunities for all Americans.

Harris’s approach differs from previous presidents, including Donald Trump, in its emphasis on progressive policies and a commitment to social justice. She seeks to bridge the divide in America by championing policies that promote equality, inclusivity, and fairness.

Support from International Leaders

Several international leaders have expressed strong support for Kamala Harris’s candidacy, viewing her as a staunch advocate for global cooperation, human rights, and climate change. They believe her election would enhance America’s role in international affairs and build positive relationships with other nations.

Harris has demonstrated her commitment to human rights by condemning China’s “abysmal human rights record,” particularly concerning the mass detention of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang and political repression. She has also supported the protesters in Hong Kong and co-sponsored the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act in 2019.

Her foreign policy approach balances climate change action with human rights advocacy. Harris has emphasised the need for U.S.-China cooperation on climate issues while not overlooking human rights abuses. As Vice President, Harris has played a crucial role in the Biden administration’s international strategy, engaging with world leaders and contributing significantly to diplomatic efforts.

Overall, international leaders support Harris’s candidacy for her dedication to global cooperation, human rights, and climate change, believing it would strengthen America’s international standing.

Conclusion

Joe Biden’s decision to step down from the 2024 presidential race has paved the way for Kamala Harris to continue the campaign. With a strong fundraising record and support from diverse voter groups, Harris’s candidacy presents a historic opportunity for the Democratic Party. Her vision for America’s future, combined with her support from international leaders, highlights her commitment to addressing pressing global issues and advancing progressive policies.

Aric Jabari is a Fellow at the Sixteenth Council