Vice President Kamala Harris, a prominent figure in the United States, possesses the potential to acquire significant powers. However, it seems that Republicans have developed an unhealthy obsession with Harris, suggesting that voting for President Joe Biden would ultimately result in her presidency. Some individuals question why Republicans are so fixated on Harris. This dedication is exemplified by a Boston Globe columnist’s inquiry about their obsession. Jemele Hill, a former ESPN journalist who now writes for The Atlantic, strongly criticized Nikki Haley’s warning about a potential President Harris. Hill argues that politicians like Haley exploit the fear of a Black woman assuming the presidency to appeal to a specific base, thus perpetuating racism. This ultimately connects Haley’s sentiment to racial violence.
The reality is that if Joe Biden secures a second term, Kamala Harris has the highest probability of becoming president among all sitting vice presidents since Harry Truman. Truman, who faced opposition from Republicans during the 1944 campaign, ascended to the presidency during Franklin Roosevelt’s fourth term. A poll conducted by Associated Press/NORC reveals that 77% of respondents believe President Biden is too old to serve again, including 69% of Democrats. Thankfully, Biden’s health is not as poor as FDR’s at the end of his presidency. However, his rambling speech, unsteady gait, and frail physical appearance fail to convince anyone that he possesses youthful energy.
Despite the deep political division, Biden manages to unite Americans in their shared view of his unfitting nature for a second term. In fact, the majority of both Democrats and Republicans, indicated by an Associated Press/NORC poll, express the belief that he is too old to serve again. The evidence of Biden’s uneven performance contributes to this conclusion. A recent headline by The New York Times states, “Kamala Harris Takes on a Forceful New Role in the 2024 Campaign,” highlighting her significant presence. Biden’s acknowledgment of Harris as his potential successor emphasizes the importance of her role, making it a subject worthy of debate.
Harris certainly does not play a passive role. As The New York Times suggests, she has taken on a forceful role in the 2024 campaign. Those who claim that Harris receives unprecedented hostility due to her minority and female status are mistaken. Influential white male vice presidents like Dan Quayle and Dick Cheney faced relentless criticism throughout their respective administrations. Quayle was unfairly portrayed as a punching bag during George H. W. Bush’s presidency, while Cheney was often depicted as the malevolent mastermind behind the George W. Bush administration.
It is no surprise that Harris, a California progressive with an obsession for identity politics, becomes a political target. Her unremarkable performance combined with widespread disapproval contributes to her vulnerability. In a recent NBC News poll, her positive rating stood at 32, while her negative rating was at 49, making her the least popular vice president in the poll’s history. Normally, such low ratings are associated with controversial initiatives or major scandals. However, Vice President Harris solely carries the burden of her own political persona. Her unpopularity naturally draws opposition, especially given her status as the second in command to an already unsteady president who expects to serve until the age of 86.
Democrats attempt to shield the vice president from criticism by accusing opponents of racism and sexism. However, this tactic is unlikely to succeed. It is widely recognized that a President Harris is a real possibility, and her position as the next in line will inevitably be a crucial aspect of the 2024 debate.
Follow Rich Lowry on Twitter: @RichLowry
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