The United States’ journey to potentially electing its first female president has been fraught with challenges and setbacks. From Hillary Clinton’s near-miss in 2016 to the recent debate over President Joe Biden’s fitness for a second term, the discussion has now turned to Vice President Kamala Harris as a viable alternative.
Following Biden’s underwhelming debate performance, concerns about his age and mental acuity have resurfaced. Biden, 81, has faced increasing pressure from voters, fellow Democrats, and donors to step aside and allow a younger generation to lead. This sentiment has been echoed by a diverse group, including an anonymous coalition of business leaders, members of Congress, Hollywood donors, and prominent figures like Abigail Disney.
Despite the mounting calls for him to withdraw, Biden remains steadfast. He reiterated his commitment to the 2024 race, declaring, “I’m running,” in a letter to Democrats. Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris has maintained her focus on the Biden-Harris ticket, emphasizing unity against a potential Trump candidacy.
At the Essence Fest on Saturday, Harris did not address the calls for her to replace Biden but remained committed to the current administration’s goals. This brings to the forefront an intriguing question: Could this be the moment the U.S. gets its first female president? If so, what would it mean for women’s leadership in America?
In 2020, Harris emerged as a compelling candidate in a crowded Democratic primary, ultimately chosen by Biden as his running mate—a nod to the party’s strong support base among Black women. Her election as vice president was historic, making her the highest-ranking female elected official in U.S. history. Since then, Harris, 59, has tackled some of the administration’s most challenging issues, including immigration and voting rights, often drawing public attention for her distinctive laugh and media presence.
While Harris might prefer to win a primary on her own merits, her current position on the ticket makes her a practical choice to step up if Biden steps down. Some Democrats have also highlighted other potential candidates, such as Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, but bypassing the first Black female vice president could be politically damaging at this stage.
The Wall Street Journal recently reported that a document circulating among Democratic operatives suggests Harris is the “one realistic path out of this mess.” Should Harris become the nominee and win, her presidency would undoubtedly be historic, though it might carry an asterisk due to the unconventional path she took to the nomination. Conversely, if she loses, the blame could fall on both Biden and Harris, potentially impacting the prospects of future female candidates.
Eight years after Clinton’s groundbreaking campaign, the path to a female presidency remains complex and fraught with political maneuvering. As discussions continue, the potential for Kamala Harris to make history as the first female president represents both an opportunity and a significant challenge for the Democratic Party and the nation.
As the 2024 election approaches, the debates around Biden’s candidacy and Harris’s potential ascension will undoubtedly shape the political landscape. The coming weeks and months will be critical in determining the future of the Democratic ticket and the broader implications for women’s leadership in the United States.
Stay tuned for further updates as this pivotal story develops.
1 comment
Biden is a moron