Why do Democrats always have to make things so complicated?
Since his disastrous defeat in the June 27 debate against President Donald Trump, President Biden has been urged by many Democrats to step aside to allow the party to nominate a younger, more dynamic candidate in 2024. With President Biden out of the way, the only way forward for the Democratic Party is to bounce back with Vice President Kamala Harris and launch an active, renewed and energized campaign against President Trump.
Some smart party leaders, including Biden himself, quickly endorsed Harris as his successor. Biden was followed by former President Bill Clinton, 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and nearly 200 others. 200 Democrats in the House and Senateand 12 of 23 Democratic governors.
But strangely, some Democrats, including former President Barack Obama, praised Biden’s decision but did not endorse Harris. They are making a big mistake. They are overcomplicating the issue and wasting time on a pointless debate.
Some have argued that we shouldn’t rush to embrace Kamala Harris, because there are plenty of attractive alternatives. That’s certainly true. Democrats have a stronger field of candidates than they’ve ever had. Among state governors, Gavin Newsom of California, Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Roy Cooper of North Carolina, Andy Beshear of Kentucky, Wes Moore of Maryland, JB Pritzker of Illinois, and Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan have already emerged as contenders. Among the senators being talked about are Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Cory Booker of New Jersey, Raphael Warnock of Georgia, and Chris Murphy of Connecticut.
But no one has quite the experience that Kamala Harris has had as district attorney of San Francisco, attorney general of California, U.S. senator and vice president of the United States, or as accomplished on the national stage as she has in the U.S. Senate, the 2016 presidential election and this year’s Democratic primary.
Moreover, those who refrain from endorsing Harris object that it might look like a “coronation.” They argue that while Harris could very well win the Democratic nomination, they can’t just hand it to her. She would have to win an open primary before or during the national convention. Again, there’s a kernel of truth there.
Under normal circumstances, a robust primary election is the best way to choose a presidential candidate. But these are not normal times. The 2024 primary, which had no credible candidates to challenge Biden and Harris (sadly, except for Marianne Williamson and Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.)), has come and gone.
It’s too late to organize another Democratic primary. The Democratic National Convention starts on August 19, less than a month away. Other candidates would not have enough time to mount a serious campaign. And the party would be better off fielding one candidate at the convention than still squabbling among five or six candidates. Of course, this is assuming someone challenges Harris at this late date, which so far nobody has.
But Harris has much more going for her: She’s smart, strong and articulate. She’s a champion for reproductive freedom and voting rights. Polls favor Trump over BidenAnd she’s also a fierce debater — Trump might not even agree to appear with her — plus, the chance to make history by electing the first African-American woman president would energize the Democratic Party like it’s never been before.
Democrats, no worries. Just do it. Get Kamala Harris for President! And nominate Gretchen Whitmer for VP. Two women vs. two white men. That’s a winning ticket!
The press said:Bill Press Pod” is the author of “From left: Life at war;“
