Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., recently added his voice to the growing chorus of calls for President Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, citing concerns about his mental acuity. This renewed focus on Biden’s health has triggered a wave of speculation about his potential departure and the implications for Vice President Kamala Harris’s political future.
Mike Howell, executive director of the conservative advocacy group Heritage Action, pointed a finger at Harris, asserting that she owes the American people an explanation for not being transparent about Biden’s declining health. He accused her of prioritizing politics over national security and said history would judge her for this decision.
Howell also suggested that Democratic lawmakers are unlikely to call for Biden’s immediate retirement in favor of Harris, fearing that it would expose their complicity in a fabricated narrative about Biden’s health over the past three and a half years.
The increasing pressure on Biden has been amplified by a recent CNN/SSRS poll, which found Harris performing slightly better than Biden in a hypothetical matchup against former President Trump. This has fueled speculation that Harris might be a more viable candidate should Biden decide to step down.
Several ranking Democrats on House committees have reportedly expressed private concerns about Biden’s ability to continue running and have favored Harris as his potential successor. This sentiment was echoed by Democratic strategist Mustafa Rashed, who acknowledged the advantages Harris possesses, including her proximity to the Oval Office and her national exposure.
Despite these concerns, Biden has maintained his determination to remain in the race, while other potential Democratic candidates, like Gov. Gavin Newsom and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, have been floated as alternative options.
House Republicans, meanwhile, have already begun targeting Harris as a potential opponent, dismissing her as a political threat due to her association with Biden’s policies. Some Republicans believe Harris would be a weaker candidate than Biden, particularly on the debate stage.
As the debate over Biden’s health continues, the Democratic party is grappling with a difficult decision. They must balance their desire to win the election with their concerns about Biden’s ability to lead. The outcome of this internal struggle could have a significant impact on the 2024 presidential race.
