By Sunday Isuwa
The challenges and controversies surrounding Kamala Harris as Vice President and her prospects for the 2024 election is tied to her performance on key issues and the potential impact on the Democratic ticket.
As the Biden Administration navigates its way through the early stages of its term, speculation mounts regarding the future of Vice President Kamala Harris.
While her role remains significant within the administration, questions arise about her effectiveness and whether she can overcome the challenges she faces.
Since taking office, Kamala Harris has struggled to gain widespread approval among the American public. According to a poll conducted on April 7, 2023, 48.8 percent of Americans disapprove of her performance as vice president, while only 39.3 percent approve. These numbers indicate a decline in support since August 17, 2021, when Harris last enjoyed a higher approval rating than disapproval. With more than two years having passed, her numbers have not improved; instead, they have worsened.
The Democratic Party faces an additional hurdle as recent polls suggest that Republicans hold a four-point lead over Democrats in a generic ballot for the 2024 Presidential Election.
In an early April poll conducted by Redfield & Wilton Strategies, potential presidential contender Donald Trump secured a seven-point victory over Harris (43 percent to Harris’ 36 percent).
Although YouGov predicts a narrow victory for President Biden in a rematch against Trump, the two-point margin falls within the margin of error. The significance of the vice-presidential pick in such a closely contested race cannot be understated.
Evaluating Harris’ Effectiveness
To understand the challenges Harris faces, it is crucial to examine her effectiveness in her assigned roles. As the point person for America’s southwestern border crisis, Harris has presided over a situation characterized by human, moral, and national security concerns. Compounding the issue is the Democratic Party’s inconsistent stance, oscillating between denying the crisis and exploiting it to shape demographic changes favoring their party. Harris was entrusted with managing this crisis, but it remains a significant challenge, with the intention of keeping it out of public attention.
Turning to international affairs, Harris was tasked with resolving the Russo-Ukraine War, which escalated in February 2022. Despite the Biden Administration’s claims of resolution, Harris’ political skills have yet to demonstrate tangible results after a year. The lack of progress in resolving this conflict raises concerns about her ability to navigate complex geopolitical challenges effectively.
On the front of space policy, where her personal interests lie, Harris has struggled to assert herself. As the traditional head of the Space Council, responsible for coordinating US space policy, her decisions have been controversial. Rather than adopting a proactive approach to counter growing Russian and Chinese threats to American satellites, Harris unilaterally terminated all American anti-satellite (ASAT) tests in space. This decision reflects a naive belief that unilateral disarmament would deter aggression from these rivals. In reality, it may only embolden China and Russia, leaving the United States vulnerable to potential attacks in space.
These examples illustrate Harris’ shortcomings as a leader. Her failures in crucial areas raise doubts about her ability to contribute effectively to the administration and potential implications for President Biden’s re-election campaign. In a tightly contested election, having a competent and tough number two is essential for bolstering the ticket’s appeal.
The Need For Change
Considering the looming 2024 election and the closeness of the predicted race, President Biden must take decisive action to improve his chances. While Kamala Harris’s current popularity among women and African-Americans may be a factor in her retention, it is clear that her performance and leadership capabilities fall short of what is needed in a potential successor to President Biden. The stakes are high, and unless Harris undergoes a dramatic transformation, she will be a liability to the Democratic ticket.
The Implications For The Democratic Ticket
With the 2024 election on the horizon, the Democratic Party needs to carefully consider the impact of Kamala Harris’s presence on the ticket. As mentioned earlier, her disapproval ratings and the Republican lead in the generic ballot present significant challenges. In a highly competitive political landscape, the vice-presidential pick becomes even more critical.
If the Democrats choose to retain Harris, they must acknowledge that her shortcomings could hinder the party’s chances of success. The American public expects competence and strong leadership, especially when considering a potential successor to President Biden. Harris’s inability to deliver major successes in her assigned roles raises doubts about her suitability for the position.
Exploring Alternatives
Recognizing the need for a change, President Biden and his advisors may be exploring alternative options for the vice-presidential position. While there is no official announcement regarding Biden’s intention to seek re-election, his reluctance to commit may stem from the desire to consider alternatives to Harris. This period provides Vice President Harris with a limited window of opportunity to restore confidence and prove her capabilities to the Biden administration.
The future of Kamala Harris as a political figure remains uncertain. Her current disapproval ratings and the challenges she has faced in key policy areas raise doubts about her effectiveness as Vice President and her potential as a successor to President Biden. As the 2024 election approaches, the Democratic Party must carefully evaluate the implications of keeping Harris on the ticket. A strong number two, perceived as competent and capable of addressing key issues, is crucial for securing victory. Ultimately, the decision lies with President Biden and his advisors, who must carefully weigh the pros and cons of retaining Harris as the vice-presidential candidate.
