US Vice President Kamala Harris recently held a campaign event in North Carolina, marking her seventh visit to the state this year and 15th trip since taking office on July 18, 2024. Harris has been gaining more public support from Democratic lawmakers as a potential replacement for President Joe Biden if he decides to drop out of the race against former President Donald Trump.
California Rep. Mark Takano became the thirty-sixth Democrat on Capitol Hill to call on Biden to exit the race on the record, advocating for Harris to take the lead. Takano believes that the demands of a modern campaign are best met by Vice President Harris, who can seamlessly transition into the role of the party’s standard bearer.
Senator Elizabeth Warren also expressed support for Harris, stating that Harris is ready to step up and unite the party if needed. Despite not officially calling for Biden to exit the race, Warren highlighted Harris’s strengths, especially in making a case against a convicted felon like Trump.
Since Biden’s stumbling debate against Trump on June 27, concerns about his age and ability to win in November have led to calls from Democratic lawmakers, donors, and strategists for him to drop out. Some donors are even organizing funds to vet potential vice presidential picks in case the Democratic ticket changes. While these rifts within the Democratic Party widen, President Biden remains isolated with Covid, recovering in Rehoboth Beach, Del.
The Biden campaign has rejected calls for him to drop out and has affirmed his commitment to staying in the race. Despite Biden’s absence, Vice President Harris has been shouldering the campaign’s message, recently delivering remarks at a fundraiser that raised over $2 million and reaffirming her support for Biden.
Conservatives have been observing the Democratic divisions with satisfaction, especially following the Republican National Convention where Trump was officially nominated. Senator JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, has called on Biden to not only exit the race but also resign from his post, criticizing the calls for Biden to stop running without calling for his resignation.
Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have remained supportive of Biden’s decision to continue his campaign, offering assistance and maintaining support from donors. Despite concerns about his age and slipping support in recent polls, Biden remains resolute in his bid for reelection.
Protesters from a grassroots group called “Pass the Torch” have gathered to urge Biden to drop his bid for a second term and pass the torch to a new nominee. They are prepared to unite behind a new candidate to defeat Trump in November, emphasizing the importance of strong leadership and public service.
Overall, the Democratic Party is facing internal divisions and calls for change as the 2024 election approaches. Vice President Harris is emerging as a potential frontrunner to lead the party against Trump, should Biden decide to step down. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future of the Democratic ticket and the party’s strategy moving forward.
