New poll reveals that Vice President Kamala Harris is the leading contender to replace President Joe Biden if he steps down from the 2024 presidential race.
Amidst growing concerns over Biden’s recent debate performance, which some Democrats found lackluster, discussions about potential replacements have gained momentum.
Newsweek reported on Sunday, June 30, that the Biden campaign has firmly stated the president has no intention of withdrawing from the race. However, speculation persists about who might step in if circumstances change.
Harris, who has served as Biden’s vice president since 2021, is a prominent figure in these discussions, standing out as a preferred option among top Democratic leaders.
A flash poll by Date for Progress, conducted on Friday, surveyed 1,011 likely voters, including 387 Democrats. The poll indicated that 39 percent of Democratic respondents favored Harris as the top choice to replace Biden on the ticket. The survey has a margin of error of 3 percentage points, providing a snapshot of the current sentiment among party members.
California Governor Gavin Newsom emerged as the second most popular choice, garnering 18 percent of the Democratic vote. Newsom, known for his progressive policies and high-profile governance of California, has been a vocal supporter of various Democratic initiatives, making him a viable candidate for many party members.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who gained national attention during his own presidential bid in 2020, was favored by 10 percent of Democratic respondents. Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey, another former presidential candidate, received 7 percent support, while Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer garnered 6 percent. On the lower end, Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro each received only 2 percent support. An additional 6 percent of respondents indicated a preference for candidates not listed in the poll, while 9 percent remained undecided.
Thomas Gift, an associate professor of political science and director of the Centre on U.S. Politics at University College London, told Newsweek that the potential for replacing Biden presents significant challenges. “The real problem with swapping out Biden is that Democrats will be venturing into the great unknown,” he said. Gift emphasized that while some see Harris as a natural successor, the transition could be fraught with uncertainties.
Harris’s appeal lies in her established role as vice president and her historic position as the first woman and person of color to hold that office. Her prominence in key policy discussions, particularly on issues like voting rights and social justice, has solidified her standing within the party. However, some Democrats express concerns about her electability in a general election. Critics argue that Harris has faced challenges in maintaining a favorable public image and that her approval ratings have fluctuated during her tenure as vice president.
Governor Gavin Newsom, meanwhile, represents a different wing of the Democratic Party. Known for his bold stances on climate change, healthcare, and economic inequality, Newsom appeals to progressives and moderates alike. His successful governance of California, the most populous state, bolsters his credentials as a potential national leader.
Pete Buttigieg, currently serving as Secretary of Transportation, has maintained a visible role in the Biden administration. His focus on infrastructure and innovative transportation policies has kept him in the public eye, making him a potential dark horse in the race to replace Biden if he drops out.
Despite the speculation, President Biden’s campaign remains adamant about his candidacy. His team continues to project confidence, emphasizing his achievements, including infrastructure investments, economic recovery, and global diplomacy. With only four months remaining to the November 5 election, replacing President Biden remains highly unlikely but not impossible.
