Democratic consensus solidifies around Harris, should Biden step aside
No one quite knows what the process of picking a new nominee would be if Joe Biden did step aside – but many Democrats say that any process is likelier than ever to quickly end with Vice President Kamala Harris as the nominee.
The exact process for selecting a new nominee if Joe Biden were to step aside remains unclear, but many Democrats believe it is more likely than ever that Vice President Kamala Harris would emerge as the nominee. Informal discussions regarding the dynamics of replacing Biden have been occurring behind the scenes for several weeks, but the lack of clarity surrounding the process has made some Democrats—despite their concerns about Biden—hesitant to openly oppose his candidacy. The fear is that what might follow could be even more chaotic.
“I’m done with all the uncertainty. I just want this to end,” remarked one prominent Democratic strategist, echoing sentiments surrounding the growing online meme featuring Harris and an anecdote about her mother. While there isn’t a unanimous agreement, the exhaustion within the party seems to be coalescing into a form of consensus. Internal polling suggests that Harris might boost Democratic enthusiasm and help down-ballot candidates, and arguments in favor of her ability to swiftly launch a campaign are gaining traction. Dreams of her energetically challenging Donald Trump are also starting to take hold.
Many are refraining from discussing hypotheticals while Biden’s aides maintain that he intends to return to campaigning soon after recovering from Covid-19. However, if circumstances change, around two dozen leading Democratic figures have indicated to CNN that they see Harris as the likely successor. Some advocate for a rapid, streamlined process where delegates would endorse the change as part of a pre-convention virtual nomination plan, while others resist a coronation approach, preferring to consider alternative candidates. The idea of conducting blitz primaries or town halls is being floated, but there’s no consensus on how to implement such plans with the election just over 100 days away and Democrats scheduled to gather in Chicago even sooner.
Despite discussions behind closed doors, many Democratic lawmakers who have called for Biden to step aside have stopped short of endorsing Harris as the nominee. Those associated with other potential candidates acknowledge they feel constrained by party loyalty and their long-term ambitions. Following a month of internal discord, pressure to unify is mounting, and anyone who challenges Harris risks damaging their standing within the party ahead of a potential open primary in 2028 if she were to be perceived as vulnerable.
Some party insiders suggest that even with looming early ballot deadlines, a resolution could still be reached at the convention in late August. However, if the situation drags on, the appetite for a resolution is expected to grow, especially considering the proximity to Election Day and the vice president’s handling of recent challenges within the party. Many believe she has demonstrated loyalty and passion during campaign events, including a fundraiser she will headline in Provincetown, Massachusetts.
A significant number of Democrats find it hard to conceive of Biden stepping down without endorsing Harris as his successor. A move to pass over a Black vice president—especially given the support from Black voters and leaders that helped secure Biden’s 2020 victory—would be perceived as a grave insult. Such support is critical, and would likely further motivate delegates and voters, complicating any challenges to Harris despite her previous struggles in the 2020 race and a rocky start in the vice presidency.
Eleni Kounalakis, California's lieutenant governor and a Democratic convention delegate, emphasized the importance of continuity if Biden were to step down. “When people voted for him, they were voting for the Biden-Harris ticket,” she said, highlighting that a delegate's support for Harris would be a validation of the primary voters' choice.
This sentiment resonates across the party, with lawmakers conscious of the impacts of chaos on vulnerable districts. Many worry that a protracted internal struggle could exacerbate divisions and weaken the party’s chances in November. Some Democratic members believe that sidelining Harris is not an option; her role is crucial for maintaining party stability.
Despite the current conversations, concerns about Harris's past challenges have not dissipated. Some Democrats, like Texas Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, express confusion over the rapid shift in perceptions regarding Harris from being seen as a potential liability to a leading candidate. Republican operatives are keen to revive criticisms and challenge her capabilities, questioning the legitimacy and legality of a sudden switch in candidates, particularly in the context of ballot access.
New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez pointed out that many party insiders advocating for Biden to step aside also harbor reservations about Harris, a sentiment echoed by progressive voices who feel more aligned with Biden's agenda.
“To some degree, she’s auditioning for the presidency right now,” noted Ashley Etienne, Harris’s former communications director, adding that the campaign needs to create more opportunities for her to establish confidence among voters.
For Democrats like Rep. Jared Golden from Maine, moving toward Harris as a candidate seems logical in light of the current political landscape. “Many Americans are thinking that if the Biden-Harris ticket wins, Kamala will likely finish the term,” he said. “So, it raises the question: why not clarify this now?”
“I’m done with all the uncertainty. I just want this to end,” remarked one prominent Democratic strategist, echoing sentiments surrounding the growing online meme featuring Harris and an anecdote about her mother. While there isn’t a unanimous agreement, the exhaustion within the party seems to be coalescing into a form of consensus. Internal polling suggests that Harris might boost Democratic enthusiasm and help down-ballot candidates, and arguments in favor of her ability to swiftly launch a campaign are gaining traction. Dreams of her energetically challenging Donald Trump are also starting to take hold.
Many are refraining from discussing hypotheticals while Biden’s aides maintain that he intends to return to campaigning soon after recovering from Covid-19. However, if circumstances change, around two dozen leading Democratic figures have indicated to CNN that they see Harris as the likely successor. Some advocate for a rapid, streamlined process where delegates would endorse the change as part of a pre-convention virtual nomination plan, while others resist a coronation approach, preferring to consider alternative candidates. The idea of conducting blitz primaries or town halls is being floated, but there’s no consensus on how to implement such plans with the election just over 100 days away and Democrats scheduled to gather in Chicago even sooner.
Despite discussions behind closed doors, many Democratic lawmakers who have called for Biden to step aside have stopped short of endorsing Harris as the nominee. Those associated with other potential candidates acknowledge they feel constrained by party loyalty and their long-term ambitions. Following a month of internal discord, pressure to unify is mounting, and anyone who challenges Harris risks damaging their standing within the party ahead of a potential open primary in 2028 if she were to be perceived as vulnerable.
Some party insiders suggest that even with looming early ballot deadlines, a resolution could still be reached at the convention in late August. However, if the situation drags on, the appetite for a resolution is expected to grow, especially considering the proximity to Election Day and the vice president’s handling of recent challenges within the party. Many believe she has demonstrated loyalty and passion during campaign events, including a fundraiser she will headline in Provincetown, Massachusetts.
A significant number of Democrats find it hard to conceive of Biden stepping down without endorsing Harris as his successor. A move to pass over a Black vice president—especially given the support from Black voters and leaders that helped secure Biden’s 2020 victory—would be perceived as a grave insult. Such support is critical, and would likely further motivate delegates and voters, complicating any challenges to Harris despite her previous struggles in the 2020 race and a rocky start in the vice presidency.
Eleni Kounalakis, California's lieutenant governor and a Democratic convention delegate, emphasized the importance of continuity if Biden were to step down. “When people voted for him, they were voting for the Biden-Harris ticket,” she said, highlighting that a delegate's support for Harris would be a validation of the primary voters' choice.
This sentiment resonates across the party, with lawmakers conscious of the impacts of chaos on vulnerable districts. Many worry that a protracted internal struggle could exacerbate divisions and weaken the party’s chances in November. Some Democratic members believe that sidelining Harris is not an option; her role is crucial for maintaining party stability.
Despite the current conversations, concerns about Harris's past challenges have not dissipated. Some Democrats, like Texas Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, express confusion over the rapid shift in perceptions regarding Harris from being seen as a potential liability to a leading candidate. Republican operatives are keen to revive criticisms and challenge her capabilities, questioning the legitimacy and legality of a sudden switch in candidates, particularly in the context of ballot access.
New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez pointed out that many party insiders advocating for Biden to step aside also harbor reservations about Harris, a sentiment echoed by progressive voices who feel more aligned with Biden's agenda.
“To some degree, she’s auditioning for the presidency right now,” noted Ashley Etienne, Harris’s former communications director, adding that the campaign needs to create more opportunities for her to establish confidence among voters.
For Democrats like Rep. Jared Golden from Maine, moving toward Harris as a candidate seems logical in light of the current political landscape. “Many Americans are thinking that if the Biden-Harris ticket wins, Kamala will likely finish the term,” he said. “So, it raises the question: why not clarify this now?”