Why do Democrats always have to make it so complicated?
Ever since June 27 and his disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump, President Biden has been encouraged by many Democrats to step aside so the party can nominate a younger, more dynamic candidate in 2024. Now that he’s done so, there’s really only one path forward for Democrats: to reboot behind Vice President Kamala Harris and start a vigorous, newly energized campaign against Trump.
Some wise party leaders recognize that, starting with Biden himself, who immediately endorsed Harris as his successor. Biden was soon joined in backing Harris by former President Bill Clinton, 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and almost 200 Democratic members of the House and Senate, as well as 12 of 23 Democratic governors.
But strangely, some Democrats, including former President Barack Obama, while praising Biden for his decision, still failed to endorse Harris. They’re making a big mistake. They’re making this too complicated. And they’re wasting time with a bunch of hollow arguments.
We shouldn’t rush into embracing Kamala Harris, some argue, because there are so many other attractive alternatives. Yes, that’s true. The Democratic Party has never had a stronger bench. Among governors, ready-made candidates include Gavin Newsom of California, Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Roy Cooper of North Carolina, Andy Beshear of Kentucky, Wes Moore of Maryland, J. B. Pritzker of Illinois and Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan. Talked-about potential Senate candidates include Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Cory Booker of New Jersey, Raphael Warnock of Georgia and Chris Murphy of Connecticut.
But none of them has the breadth of experience of Kamala Harris: as district attorney of San Francisco, attorney general of California, U.S. senator and vice president of the United States. And none has been so tried and tested on the national stage – in the Senate, in the presidential election of 2016 and in this year’s Democratic primaries.
Still others hold off endorsing Harris because they oppose what might look like a “coronation.” She may well end up getting the Democratic nomination, they argue, but we can’t just hand it to her. She should have to win it in an open primary, either before or at the national convention. Again, there’s a kernel of truth there.
In normal times, a good, lively primary is the best way to choose a presidential nominee. But these are not normal times. The 2024 primary – where no credible candidate challenged Biden and Harris (Sorry, Marianne Williamson and Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.)) – has come and gone.
It’s too late to organize another Democratic primary. The Democratic National Convention begins on Aug. 19, less than a month away. No other candidate would have enough time to put together a serious campaign. And it’s better for the party to go into the convention united behind one candidate than still bickering among five or six. Which, of course, assumes that someone will step up and challenge Harris at this late date. So far, no one has.
But Harris has a lot more going for her. She’s smart, strong and articulate. She’s the leading advocate for reproductive freedom and voting rights. She polls better against Trump than Biden did. And she’s a fierce debater. Trump may not even agree to appear with her. Plus, having the chance to make history by electing the first female African-American president would energize the Democratic Party like never before.
Don’t agonize, Democrats. Just do it. Kamala Harris for president! Then nominate Gretchen Whitmer for vice president. Two women vs. two white men. That’s the winning ticket!
Press is host of “The Bill Press Pod.” He is the author of “From the Left: A Life in the Crossfire.”