The Democratic Party is in turmoil following President Biden’s poor debate performance against former President Trump. According to The New York Times, Biden’s campaign is now quietly polling Vice President Kamala Harris’s strength in a head-to-head matchup against Trump. This internal poll suggests the campaign is considering whether Biden should step aside for Harris.
The Biden campaign’s Harris vs. Trump poll is being conducted this week and is reportedly the first time Biden’s team is measuring Harris’s potential at the top of the ticket. “It’s clear there’s internal chaos,” said a Democratic strategist who requested anonymity. “The debate performance forced everyone to reassess our chances in November.”
Despite Harris’s previous struggles during her 2020 presidential bid, some Democrats believe she might be a more energetic communicator for the party’s message. A Democratic donor mentioned, “Kamala has a unique ability to connect with younger voters and minorities, which could be crucial in a head-to-head against Trump.”
However, the Biden campaign issued a memo suggesting that hypothetical polling of alternative nominees is unreliable, adding to the chaos within the Democratic Party. The memo stated, “[h]ypothetical polling of alternative nominees will always be unreliable, and surveys do not take into account the negative media environment that any Democratic nominee will encounter.”
Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) is reportedly working behind the scenes to encourage Biden to reconsider his re-election bid. Pelosi has expressed concerns about Biden’s ability to defeat Trump and is urging a broader discussion within the Democratic Party before finalizing Biden’s candidacy. Pelosi is advising front-line lawmakers to prioritize their seats and encouraging safe-seat Democrats to voice their concerns directly to the White House.
As Republicans prepare to nominate Trump officially, Democrats are grappling with uncertainty over their 2024 nominee. “We can’t afford to appear disorganized when the stakes are this high,” said Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA), who has publicly called for Biden to step aside. “Biden’s recent performances have only heightened the urgency of this decision.”
This internal strife highlights the Democratic Party’s struggle to present a united front as they head into the election season. With voter sentiment and internal party dynamics in flux, the coming weeks will be critical in determining the party’s strategy and leadership.
