It’s been a week since President Biden’s terrible debate performance, and his political fortunes are only getting worse.
His poll numbers are down. Donald Trump loves it. And Democrats are panicking about the future, some feeling betrayed by the president’s handlers and angry that their inner circle seems to be blaming everyone but themselves for last week’s debacle.
Now it all boils down to two questions: Will Biden drop out of the race? And who is in the top position to replace him?
The answer to the second question should be a no-brainer – the vice president, of course.
Kamala Harris was elected by the people as the official replacement of the 81-year-old president if he can’t do his job, so it stands to reason that he will be next, like Biden for Barack Obama. Harris served in the US Senate, was the attorney general of California and before that, San Francisco. Clearly he has experience. As for her debating skills – she’s a former prosecutor. Trump is a convicted felon. What more could you ask for in this election cage fight?
But the 59-year-old Harris is unlikely to replace Biden. Discussions among pundits and ordinary people about the VP’s electability often start from a place of disdain, informed by the unfounded public belief that he is deeply unpopular. Then it was a longer conversation about Gavin Newsom. Or Gretchen Whitmore. Or Josh Shapiro.
I honestly don’t know if Harris can win in November, or if he’s really the best candidate to get this country out of what looks like it’s going to fall apart if Trump wins. What I do know is that Harris faces a higher bar because of her gender and race. His immediate dismissal is a serious replacement for Biden’s irresponsibility, sexism and racism, and underscores the double standards facing women and people of color — especially those at the top of the game.
The flipside of the coin is admitting that America is not ready for a female president, let alone a woman of color. Supporting Harris means believing that voters can overcome centuries of tradition and bias, and that’s a risky move in an election where the stakes are so high.
But it may not be as risky as it seems. A recent CNN post-debate survey of registered voters shows that in a race against Trump, Harris will stay above theoretical candidates Newsom, Shapiro, Whitmer and Pete Buttigieg – and above Biden.
Despite the evidence suggesting that he is a viable choice, Harris still faces constant criticism from the Democratic base in 2019. He is often described in the news media as aloof, aloof and unlikable.
Call it the Hillary Clinton conundrum. Strong women have a line they can’t walk, especially in public-facing roles. They should be in command, but not too demanding. Don’t look too emotional, but don’t look cold either. Don’t push back too much, but don’t pushover either (the “Barbie” monologue comes to mind). Walking the tightrope between strong leadership and pleasing congeniality – in heels – because it’s not enough to be qualified and competent.
Democrats and swing voters, you won’t get everything in one package. It is true that Harris does not seem all that comfortable in the ribbon cutting ceremony, but he is in his element interrogating a sweaty, nervous Mark Zuckerberg or tongue-tied Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh. And what we need most now are fighters.
Harris is a strong debater. Remember the 2019 Democratic primary debate, when he corrected Biden on his desegregation record. In a debate the following year against VP Mike Pence, he expertly called out hypocrisy when he accused the Democrats of packing the courts: “Do you know that of the 50 people appointed by President Trump to the appeals court for lifetime appointments. , not one is Black?,” he he said. “This is what we have done. You want to talk about court packing, let’s discuss it.” Molar!
As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, he questioned Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, Kavanaugh, during his 2018 confirmation hearing about reproductive rights protections. “Can you think of a law that empowers the government to make decisions about a man’s body?” he asked.
Kavanaugh paused before answering, “I’d be happy to answer a more specific question.”
“Men versus women,” Harris replied. After some back-and-forth, Kavanaugh admitted: “I’m not thinking anything right now, senator.”
Trump then complained about his unfairness: “He’s dishonest to a level that’s just appalling… the way he’s treating Justice Kavanaugh, and I’ll never forget it.” You can vote he’d rather fight anyone but “evil women.”
It’s more fair to talk about Harris’ electability. He deserves as much scrutiny as anyone else whose name is being considered as a contender if Biden drops out of the race. But simply assuming he’s not the right candidate without a deeper exploration of his strengths and weaknesses doesn’t do justice to someone as accomplished as Harris.