In a recent opinion piece, Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Kathleen Parker has proposed that President Joe Biden should consider replacing Vice President Kamala Harris with former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as his running mate for the upcoming re-election campaign.
The Daily Mail reported that according to Parker, this bold move could offer a more reassuring option to voters given Biden’s current challenges in polls and Clinton’s vast political experience.
Joe Biden, at 81, is the oldest president in U.S. history, a fact that raises concerns about his capacity to continue in office. Amid these concerns, his performance in national and key swing state polls has shown a decline, prompting discussions about the viability of his re-election campaign.
Vice President Kamala Harris, despite making history as the first female and first black vice president, has not been spared from scrutiny either. Polls indicate a significant portion of the American populace doubts her capability to assume the presidency.
These polling trends have not gone unnoticed, with recent results showing that only about a third of Americans see Harris as a potential winner in a presidential race. Her approval ratings have slightly improved, sitting at 42%, yet she struggles to match the figures from earlier polls.
Kathleen Parker, known for her incisive commentary, suggests Democrats should consider their past leaders for future electoral success. She points to Hillary Clinton’s extensive resume, which includes roles as First Lady, Secretary of State, and U.S. Senator, alongside her candidacy in the 2016 presidential election.
Parker criticizes Harris for what she perceives as a lack of competency, suggesting that Clinton’s experience and political acumen could lend the necessary stability to Biden’s ticket.
Clinton remains a prominent figure in politics, recently seen endorsing candidates and participating in key political activities.
Despite her defeat in 2016, Clinton continues to hold a considerable presence in Democratic politics, which Parker believes could be pivotal in the next election. The columnist reflects on Biden’s physical and verbal stumbles, which she describes as “impossible to ignore,” underscoring a need for a change.
The proposal to replace Harris with Clinton is not without its potential drawbacks. Parker acknowledges that such a move could alienate black voters, a key demographic for the Democratic Party. Yet, she argues that this change is essential to advance a worldview consistent with Democratic values.
To mitigate the impact of this decision on Harris’s supporters, Parker proposes appointing Harris as the new attorney general.
This, she believes, could placate those disappointed by her replacement while positioning Harris in a role that could benefit from her legal expertise.
Parker’s views reflect a broader concern within the Democratic Party about its future direction and leadership. She notes, “If Biden needs to step down, even those who didn’t vote for Clinton would have confidence in her ability to keep the country on track,” emphasizing the strategic importance of experience in these turbulent times.
The recent Politico/Morning Consult poll, which surveyed 3,996 registered voters with a 2% margin of error, reveals deep-seated skepticism about Harris’s potential as a president.
Only 40% of respondents believe she would perform well in the role, while 57% think her winning a presidential election is unlikely.
This skepticism extends to Harris's perceived presidential qualities, influencing perceptions of her leadership capability. Meanwhile, Clinton, despite her past electoral defeat and advanced age, is seen by some as a stabilizing figure who could bring depth and experience to the administration.
In conclusion, while Parker’s suggestion has sparked debate, it underscores the ongoing discussions within the Democratic Party about leadership and electoral strategy. She concludes, “It’s just a thought, but worse ideas have met with regrettable success,” hinting at the complex and sometimes unpredictable nature of political decision-making.
