VP Harris is still standing beside Biden.
In the aftermath of President Joe Biden’s challenging debate performance, Vice President Kamala Harris has emerged as a staunch defender of the administration, both publicly and behind closed doors. Reports from NBC News indicate that Harris’s allies are vocal about her potential to step into a leading role should Biden not continue his candidacy, asserting broad support within the Democratic Party for such a scenario. Notably, allies, particularly among Black Democrats, have strongly opposed any notion of sidelining Harris, labeling such efforts as racially and misogynistically motivated.
Key figures like Rev. Al Sharpton have praised Harris’s resilience and effectiveness, emphasizing that she stands as a formidable candidate herself. Despite her assertive support for Biden, Harris’s rapid defense of him following the debate has provided a blueprint for countering criticisms and defending the administration’s record. Her performances in media appearances have been circulated as effective messaging tools by the Biden campaign, underscoring her role as a pivotal advocate.
Internally, Harris has engaged in extensive outreach to party leaders, civil rights activists, and donors, reaffirming her commitment to supporting Biden’s candidacy while preparing for any eventualities. Amid speculation and discussions within the party about alternative nominees, Harris’s office has remained steadfast in maintaining focus on the current ticket and not entertaining discussions of replacing Biden.
While some Democratic figures have raised questions about Harris’s viability at the top of the ticket, Harris’s supporters highlight her successful statewide election history and her prominent advocacy on key issues like abortion rights and economic justice. Figures like Donna Brazile assert that any attempt to bypass Harris would face significant resistance from within the party, particularly from Black women who are integral to its leadership.
Despite these internal discussions, Harris continues to emphasize unity within the Biden-Harris coalition and to reiterate the urgency of defeating Donald Trump in the upcoming election. Her recent statements underscore a commitment to the campaign’s core messages and objectives, aiming to rally support across diverse Democratic constituencies and to counter external pressures against the administration.
