Kamala Harris’ poll numbers have never really been high — and they are even lower now that her boss Joe Biden has announced his reelection bid. While Biden says he stands by Harris, is the VP an asset or a liability for Joe Biden’s potential reelection campaign? The answer is complex and multifaceted, but there are several key factors to consider.
First, it’s important to acknowledge that Harris is the first woman, the first Black person, and the first Asian-American person to hold the office of Vice President. Her historic achievement is something of an asset for the Democratic Party, as it reflects their commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Moreover, Harris is a charismatic and dynamic speaker who can rally support for the party’s agenda and energize voters.
Her performance in the 2020 vice-presidential debate was widely praised, and her ability to connect with diverse communities could be seen as an asset in an increasingly diverse country.
However, Harris also has several challenges that could potentially make her a liability for the Biden campaign. For one, Harris has been frequently criticized by Republicans, who accuse her of being too progressive and out of touch with the average American. This criticism has been fueled by some of Harris’s policy positions, such as her support for Medicare for All and her advocacy for criminal justice reform. These positions may resonate with some voters but also provide ammunition for Republican attacks.
In addition to policy positions, Harris’s personal style and demeanor have also been criticized. Some have accused her of being overly ambitious or calculating, while others have suggested that she lacks authenticity. These criticisms are not new – Harris faced similar scrutiny during her own presidential campaign in 2020 – but they could become more pronounced in the context of a national campaign.
Another potential liability for Harris is her role in the current administration. As Vice President, Harris has been tasked with several high-profile assignments, including leading the administration’s efforts to address the root causes of migration from Central America and serving as the tie-breaking vote in the Senate. However, some Democrats have expressed frustration with Harris’s handling of these assignments, arguing that she has not been assertive enough in pushing for policy changes. As for the Right, they think and can point to prove that as the so-called “Border Czar,” Harris has been a dismal failure.
Finally, it’s worth noting that Harris would likely face a formidable opponent in a hypothetical 2024 presidential race. The Republican Party is currently fractured, but it’s possible that a strong candidate could emerge and pose a serious challenge to Harris and the Democrats. In such a scenario, Harris’s vulnerabilities – both real and perceived – could become more pronounced and make her a liability for the party.
And last but not least, Biden’s age may make Harris the biggest liability to his campaign as fear for his health could keep people from voting for a Biden- Harris ticket by those who would not want to see Harris in the Oval Office.
Like all things in presidential campaigns, the question of whether Kamala Harris is an asset or a liability for Joe Biden in 2024 is difficult to answer definitively. Certain aspects of Harris’s background and personality make her an asset to the Democratic Party. Still, there are also potential liabilities that could make her a liability in a national campaign.
Ultimately, the answer may depend on various factors, including the state of the economy, the political climate, and ultimately if we are looking at the Trump-Biden rematch, and if so, who the former president’s running mate will be.