As pressure mounts on Joe Biden to end his re-election campaign following a lacklustre debate performance, Vice-President Kamala Harris has become the leading contender to replace him. Senior sources within the Biden campaign, the White House and the Democratic National Committee have told Reuters that Harris is the top alternative should the president step aside.
Polls suggest Harris would perform nearly as well as Biden against Donald Trump, and in some cases better. A Reuters/Ipsos survey found 81% of Democrats view Harris favourably, compared to 78% for Biden. A CNN poll released Tuesday showed Harris trailing Trump by just two points (45% to 47%), within the margin of error, while Biden trailed by six points.
Party leaders are increasingly rallying behind Harris. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has privately signalled she would be the best option, according to the Washington Post. Senior Democrat James Clyburn said publicly he would back Harris if Biden withdrew, urging the party to do everything to bolster her. Representative Summer Lee called Harris the 'obvious choice' to replace Biden.
Supporters argue Harris would strengthen the ticket with Black and Latino voters and be a more effective voice on abortion rights. However, sceptics point to her continued unpopularity and vulnerabilities on immigration, China, and the Israel-Gaza conflict. Other potential replacements like Gavin Newsom and Gretchen Whitmer poll worse than both Biden and Harris.
If Harris became the nominee, she could take over the campaign's existing funds, as the account is registered under both Biden and Harris. The White House has announced a series of 'summer of engagement' events for Harris, including trips to New Orleans, Las Vegas, Dallas, and Indianapolis.
