Various proposals have emerged to address concerns about Joe Biden’s perceived electoral viability in the upcoming 2024 election. One suggestion, put forward by NY Times columnist Ezra Klein, proposed that Biden step aside to allow the Democratic Party to select a successor at an open convention.
However, concerns were raised about the potential risks of such a move, drawing parallels to the divisive 1968 Democratic convention in Chicago. Additionally, there were reservations about Vice President Kamala Harris’s ability to unite the party if she were to assume Biden’s place.
Columnist Kathleen Parker recently proposed in the Washington Post that Biden’s chances might improve if Harris were to voluntarily step aside. Parker argued that Harris, despite being chosen for her identity as a Black woman, had become a liability to the ticket, and Biden couldn’t risk alienating his base by removing her.
Biden (Credits: NPR)
Harris’s performance as vice president has been criticized, reflected in her low approval ratings. Some have suggested that replacing her as Biden’s running mate could rejuvenate the campaign. However, such proposals have sparked controversy, with many viewing them as racist and sexist attacks against Harris.
It’s worth noting that Biden had pledged to choose a woman as his running mate, and pressure mounted for him to select a Black woman. He indicated his consideration of several Black women for the role, indicating that Harris’s selection wasn’t solely based on her race or gender.
The backlash against Parker’s column underscores the sensitivity surrounding discussions about Harris’s role in the administration and the broader issue of identity politics within the Democratic Party. Such controversies have previously led to internal tensions within newsrooms, reflecting broader societal debates over political correctness and free speech.
