July 21 – The Democratic Party is contemplating a historic move by potentially nominating Vice President Kamala Harris as its presidential candidate, betting that she can overcome deep-seated racism, sexism, and political missteps to defeat Republican Donald Trump.
In over 200 years of U.S. democracy, only one Black president has been elected, and no woman has held the highest office. This history has led to doubts even among Black voters about Harris’s chances of breaking through these barriers.
“Will her race and gender be an issue? Absolutely,” said LaTosha Brown, a political strategist and co-founder of the Black Voters Matter Fund.
Harris would face significant challenges, including a limited campaign period to rally the party and donors. Nonetheless, many Democrats are excited about her prospects.
A growing number of Democratic lawmakers fear that President Joe Biden, 81, lacks the stamina to win another term and worry that a Trump victory could lead to Republican control of the White House and Congress. Biden has stated he will not step aside and plans to resume campaigning after recovering from COVID-19. Harris, 59, supported his re-election at a recent fundraiser.
Supporters argue that Harris, a leader on abortion rights, could energize younger voters and the party’s progressive base, consolidate Black support, and effectively debate Trump. Her candidacy would offer a sharp contrast to Trump and his vice presidential pick, Senator J.D. Vance.
However, Harris’s early years in office and her short-lived 2020 presidential campaign have raised concerns. Historical discrimination adds to her challenges.
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll showed Harris and Trump tied at 44%, while Trump led Biden by a slight margin. Harris’s approval ratings are slightly higher than Biden’s, according to FiveThirtyEight.
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez noted the lack of consensus among those wanting Biden to step aside, emphasizing there is no “safe option” for the Democrats.
Barack Obama, elected in 2008, remains the only Black president, and Hillary Clinton, the only woman to lead a major party’s presidential ticket, lost to Trump in 2016. Harris, the first woman and first Black and South Asian vice president, has faced attacks related to her race and gender and is prepared for more.
Jamal Simmons, a former Harris aide, believes Harris’s race and gender could galvanize Black voters and women, including those who regretted not voting for Clinton in 2016. Harris’s higher name recognition compared to other potential Democratic candidates like California Governor Gavin Newsom and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer could also benefit her campaign.
A former Democratic lawmaker, speaking anonymously, suggested Harris’s record might pose a bigger risk than her race. Harris’s early vice-presidential term was marked by staff turnover and limited progress on her key portfolios.
Trump has a history of using racist and sexist language. In 2020, he questioned Harris’s eligibility for vice president despite her being born in California. At a recent rally, he mocked her laugh, calling her “Laughing Kamala.”
Trump’s campaign denied allegations of racism and sexism, highlighting Harris’s previous criticisms of Biden during the 2019 debate.
Despite Harris’s strong advocacy for reproductive rights following the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, concerns about Biden’s health and leadership persist. Black voters, who significantly supported Biden in 2020, remain a crucial demographic.
Political strategist Donna Brazile, alongside 1,400 Black women, voiced support for a Biden-Harris ticket while condemning party disunity. However, some voters, like Georgia retiree Gina Gannon, feel disillusioned with the Democrats, believing they hid Biden’s frailties.
