Obama’s Doubts About Kamala’s Electability Prove Justified

As Kamala Harris garners endorsements from various factions within the Democratic Party, a notable absence stands out: former President Barack Obama.

Reports suggest that Obama harbours significant doubts about Harris’s chances in the upcoming election and is frustrated with President Joe Biden’s premature endorsement of her as his successor.

Obama reportedly favoured a more competitive process, with multiple candidates vying for the nomination until the party convention.

Former President Obama spoke at an event in Athens, Greece, on June 21, 2023. AP

The Democratic Party, weary from the prolonged uncertainty surrounding Biden’s potential withdrawal, quickly rallied behind Harris to resolve the ongoing drama. While Harris represents a newer face in the political arena than Biden, her approval ratings are comparable to his, albeit with some room for improvement. The party has initiated a social media campaign to boost her visibility as Election Day approaches.

However, Harris faces several challenges. Her attempts to articulate policy positions have often been problematic, and her limited experience in actual governance raises concerns.

Her support for progressive policies such as the Green New Deal and defunding the police may alienate centrist voters.

Vice President Kamala Harris at an event in Houston, Texas, on July 25. Getty Images

Additionally, her tenure as “border czar” and subsequent media coverage have not helped her standing.

Former staffers frequently criticize Harris for being unprepared and shifting blame onto others. This track record casts doubt on her performance in live interviews and debates, particularly against former President Donald Trump.

Switching from Biden to Harris could pose a more significant challenge for the Trump-Vance ticket, with polls indicating a tighter race.

However, the Democratic convention, including Harris’s vice-presidential pick, might further tighten the competition.

Republicans are still determining the best approach to challenge Harris, mindful of potential accusations of racism and sexism. Despite this, there is a possibility that Harris could falter, and the Democratic Party’s decision to replace Biden with Harris could backfire, undermining their position on democratic values.

While Obama’s valid preferences for the nomination process remain speculative, his absence from endorsing Harris suggests he may have reservations about the strategy of anointing her early.