“Like many Americans who watched Thursday night’s presidential debate, I was too wired to sleep afterward. Unusually, I tuned in to the punditry on cable news and was glad I did. Shortly after the debate, Vice President Kamala Harris appeared on CNN with Anderson Cooper. As I watched her calmly handle a barrage of questions, it struck me: President Joe Biden could gracefully step aside and endorse his capable vice president, who is young and energetic.
I understand the skepticism. Didn’t Harris withdraw from the last Democratic primary just before potentially losing in California? Yes, but winning primaries requires balancing base appeal, promoting ideas, and managing rivalries, especially complex for women and Black candidates.
However, the dynamics change on a national stage with Donald Trump. Harris wouldn’t spar over minor policy differences but leverage her strength as a prosecutor to make a compelling political case against Trump — a convicted felon, accused of sexual abuse, known for falsehoods, a demagogue, and a threat to democracy and the Constitution.
“I believe many women, likely the most influential voting group in this election, share my desire to see Harris take on Trump directly. Unlike her memorable clash with Biden in the 2020 primary debate — ‘That little girl was me’ — this time, she would confront a true bully who cannot resist disrespect.
Unlike Trump’s past female debate opponents, like Hillary Clinton, Harris has remained free of scandal. Trump would rely solely on personal attacks, which would only highlight his bullying tendencies. This approach could particularly alienate moderate voters when directed at a seasoned Black woman.”
“After Thursday night’s debate, it’s tempting to overlook Trump’s weaknesses. His performance was dismal, filled with falsehoods and insults that turned off some voters, as interviews with debate viewers on television revealed. Yet Biden, rambling and sputtering, failed to effectively counter him.
Harris, known for her killer instincts and composure, could have effectively challenged Trump on critical voter issues. Her success as both a prosecutor and a statewide candidate in California shouldn’t be forgotten. On the Senate Judiciary Committee during Trump’s first term, she adeptly posed tough, deliberate questions that garnered viral attention without seeming theatrical.
Watching her confront Trump on Thursday would have been satisfying, not only for progressives but also for suburban women eager for a robust defense of reproductive rights, a cause Harris passionately champions where Biden, a devout Catholic, has been more restrained. While I disagree with her immigration policies, Harris has demonstrated toughness and charisma on the issue. As a popular campaign surrogate, she could energize Black women and young voters, although her impact on Black and Latino men, less consistent voters, might be limited.
A campaign isn’t just a debate, and there’s a long road ahead. However, the goal is to wake the country from an alternate reality where the Trump presidency was acceptable. I believe Harris can articulate this case better than most in the Democratic Party.
Her pre-debate polling wasn’t strong — her favorability ratings were as low as Biden’s. Yet recent polls in swing states suggest she could build trust with voters if she were to step into the presidential role. Unlike a drafted candidate, she would start with low expectations she could exceed. Engaged in significant national security issues, not just ceremonial duties, she offers substantial experience. Teamed with a strong, centrist governor like Pennsylvania’s Josh Shapiro or Kentucky’s Andy Beshear as her running mate, she could secure a victory.”
“If Harris were to become the first woman president under these unlikely circumstances, it would highlight the familiar pattern for women seeking leadership: a man falters in a crucial role, and a woman must step in to clean up the mess. It wouldn’t be the same triumphant moment as electing our first Black president, but it would finally shatter that toughest and highest glass ceiling. Ideally, I hope the next woman president could come into office under more favorable circumstances.
Choosing Harris would also benefit Biden by allowing him to conclude his long public service career with dignity and honor. He would be remembered as the leader who halted Trump in 2020. Whatever the initial reasons for Biden selecting Harris as his running mate — which wasn’t an obvious choice for him — she became his chosen successor in case he couldn’t continue. Failing to follow through on that decision would reflect poorly on Biden. Stepping aside would demonstrate his patriotism and respect for the succession plan he envisioned, preserving his legacy and integrity. That’s no small feat.”
