A top House Democrat has raised concerns about the potential repercussions for the Democratic Party if Vice President Kamala Harris is overlooked in the event of President Biden withdrawing from his re-election bid. Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., who chairs the House Jan. 6 committee, emphasized the importance of not sidelining Harris if Democrats wish to highlight the successes of Biden's presidency.
Thompson highlighted Harris' strength, stating that acknowledging Biden's accomplishments inherently involves recognizing Harris' contributions as well. He expressed that bypassing Harris for the nomination could be detrimental to the party's prospects, describing it as potentially 'the kiss of death for the party.'
Many Democratic officials echoed Thompson's sentiments, underscoring that Harris is currently the party's most viable candidate for the presidency should Biden decide not to pursue re-election. Harris stands to inherit the Biden-Harris campaign's financial resources and enjoys endorsements from prominent figures such as the Biden family, Obamas, and Clintons.
Furthermore, overlooking Harris could present a negative image for Democrats, particularly considering her historic positions as the first woman vice president, first Black American vice president, and first South Asian vice president. Such a decision might trigger backlash from the progressive wing of the party and risk alienating Black voters.
In conclusion, the potential exclusion of Harris from the presidential nomination process could have far-reaching implications for the Democratic Party, as emphasized by Rep. Thompson and other party officials.
