Underdog first-time vice presidential hopeful Kamala Harris, who entered the race as a last-minute challenger to Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in the US election, was defeated by a margin that left seasoned party leaders questioning the direction of the Democratic Party.
Harris’ defeat sparked criticism and anger among Democrats, with some blaming her campaign strategy, while others pointed the finger at US President Joe Biden.
Biden, 81, has announced re-election in April 2023, amid skepticism about his health and fitness to lead. But his belief was unwavering. “I am fit to serve,” he said, determined to prove that he was the only Democrat who could defeat Trump.
But the fateful debate in June brought his mental acuity into question, ultimately prompting him to bow out of the race in July, citing the best interests of the party and the nation.
For some, Biden is too late. A prominent Democratic donor, expressing his disapproval, told the Reuters news agency, “Why did Joe Biden continue for so long? He shouldn’t have hidden (his health) and disappeared so quickly.”
Longtime Democratic donor and hedge fund manager Bill Ackman said, “The party lied to the American people about the president’s cognitive health and fitness, then didn’t have a major office to replace him.”
As party members battled to back Harris off, internal criticism of Biden’s inner circle emerged, with one official bemoaning the “defection” of Biden’s advisers. “He never said no,” she said.
While Harris is stepping down as Biden’s loyal successor, his policy alignment may have become his weak point. A former campaign aide said Harris’ loyalty to Biden made him a mismatch with potential voters looking for a new direction. His remarks on ABC’s “The View” — that he wouldn’t do anything different than Biden — added fuel to critics who felt he had failed to present himself as an agent of change.
“The party needs people who are willing to take an independent stand,” the aide was quoted as saying by Reuters, pointing to global examples like Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who reworked immigration policy in response to right-wing pressure.
Harris’ supporters hoped to rally him, especially younger and diverse voters who favor climate action and progressive ideals, and women concerned about abortion rights, not in the numbers they had anticipated. Trump also drew support in suburban areas that are now trending blue, as well as among Hispanic voters and in states like Georgia and North Carolina, where Democrats believe they can compete. , expressed frustration over a campaign he felt had given him false hope. “They feel cheated,” a DNC official said, noting that many party members had expected a closer race.
The defeat marks the Democrats’ second loss to Trump in recent years, reminiscent of Hillary Clinton’s campaign in 2016. Trump, despite facing legal problems and proposing controversial policies, including cross-border tariffs that economists warn could hurt American consumers , could still lead undecided voters. The campaign has effectively channeled concerns about immigration, promising mass deportations, which are vexing in a way that is inconsistent with Harris’s inclusive platform.
The divisive issue of Biden and Harris over US support for Israel during the Gaza crisis, which split progressive Democrats from the party’s mainstream, added to the setback.
On election night, crowds gathered outside Harris’ alma mater, Howard University, anticipating the lengthy counting process. But by Wednesday afternoon, the results were clear. Harris came to Howard to give a brief concession speech, thanking Biden and vowing, “When I conceded this election, I didn’t concede the war that fueled this campaign.”
(With agency input)
