The decision by former Vice President Kamala Harris to not pursue the California governorship next year signals her commitment to the 2028 presidential race.
Harris enters this new phase with certain advantages, yet she has often struggled to connect with Democratic bases, leading to a lack of enthusiasm among voters—something crucial for a successful campaign.
As a candidate on the national stage, her trajectory seems puzzling. In 2019, important polls indicated her low popularity. She dropped out of the presidential race before any main votes were cast, securing her position on the ticket not through her own efforts but rather by Joe Biden’s choice.
After Biden exited the 2024 race last July, Harris quickly capitalized on his absence, securing backing to take the lead as the go-to candidate. This was due in part to party power brokers and Biden himself.
Despite her efforts to build momentum during the summer and fall, she struggled to maintain it, spending an astonishing $1.5 billion over just four months. By the time of the national convention in August, she appeared to abandon conventional wisdom, seeming more like an out-of-touch politician instead of a dynamic advocate for change.
When Democrats needed a candidate who could resonate with voters desiring a break from the past, Harris leaned into the status quo. A notable moment occurred when she was asked a simple question during an appearance on “The View” in early October. Her response, “There’s nothing that comes to mind,” raised eyebrows.
This wasn’t just a simple misstep; it highlighted a broader issue with her political image. Her upcoming campaign in 2028 may actually remind Democratic voters of her unwavering loyalty to Biden.
A March CNN poll asked Democratic voters who best represented the party’s core values. Only 1% selected Biden, while Harris garnered just 9%, compared to 10% for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and 8% for Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).
Many Democrats and independents are looking for authenticity and real reform. It’s tough to determine if Harris truly embodies this, or if she’s just playing it safe.
In recent discussions, including the notable book “Original Sin,” authors Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson illustrate the disconnect between Harris’s public persona and the courage she claims to possess.
Her continued public support for Biden’s military aid to Israel could present challenges for her presidential aspirations. Surveys show that many Americans disapprove of her stance. By last summer, polling indicated that a majority wanted to reconsider military aid to Israel.
A CBS News-YouGov Poll from June showed a significant portion of Americans opposed supplying arms to Israel, with young people opposing it even more. Yet, Harris remained consistent in her support, aligning with Biden’s narrative while potentially alienating voters.
In August, the YouGov results revealed that in swing states like Arizona, Georgia, and Pennsylvania, there was a strong preference for Harris from those favoring an arms embargo against Israel, with a notable ratio of support.
Despite this, Harris maintained her stance that there was no difference between her position and Biden’s regarding military aid to Israel. This loyalty may not serve her well as the presidential race heats up.
The voting landscape among Democrats is more polarized than ever. According to a recent Gallup poll, if Harris runs in 2028, she may struggle to connect with key Democratic voters due to her steadfast support for military actions in Gaza.
Only 8% of Democrats approved of Israel’s military endeavors in Gaza, meaning Harris’s consistent support could leave her exposed to significant challenges.
Overall, Harris’s campaign for 2028 suggests a desire to move forward, yet it reminds many Democrats of a time they want to leave behind—a period when she was closely tied to Biden’s controversial policies, including those related to Gaza.
Ultimately, Harris may want to reconsider her candidacy.
