Clyburn Endorses Harris to Replace Biden on Ticket

South Carolina Rep. James Clyburn expresses support for Vice President Kamala Harris as a potential replacement for President Biden on the Democratic ticket in 2024.

Following President Biden's widely criticized debate performance, speculation has escalated regarding the possibility of Democrats considering a different candidate for the 2024 presidential nomination. South Carolina Rep. James Clyburn, an influential figure in the Democratic Party, has now voiced his support for Vice President Kamala Harris as a potential successor.

Harris, 59, would offer a smooth transition as she currently holds the second-highest office in the country. Her candidacy has garnered some support within the party, with former presidential candidate Tim Ryan recently advocating for her nomination in a Newsweek article.

Clyburn Endorses Harris to Replace Biden on Ticket

However, Harris's approval ratings have been a concern for many, with polls showing negative views outnumbering positive ones. The perception of her handling of the border crisis and other issues has contributed to her declining popularity.

Potential alternatives to Biden have emerged, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Newsom has attracted considerable attention with his high-profile events and criticism of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Despite his repeated denials of presidential ambitions, Newsom remains a popular figure within the Democratic Party.

Clyburn Endorses Harris to Replace Biden on Ticket

Whitmer, who recently won re-election by a significant margin, has also been mentioned as a possible contender. Her supporters have pushed the "Draft Gretch" movement, and she reportedly ranks highly among donors in terms of preference. However, Whitmer has dismissed the speculation and reaffirmed her support for Biden.

Buttigieg, who gained national prominence during his 2020 presidential campaign, has also been considered a potential replacement for Biden. However, his lukewarm polling numbers and ongoing transportation issues could pose challenges to his candidacy.

Clyburn Endorses Harris to Replace Biden on Ticket

Other potential contenders include Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, and Co-Chair of the Democratic National Committee Jaime Harrison. Each of these figures possesses varying levels of support and strengths and weaknesses.

The decision on whether to replace Biden remains a complex one for Democrats. While the president has faced criticism for his age and debate performance, many party members are hesitant to challenge an incumbent president. Ultimately, the Democratic National Convention in August will provide a platform for further discussion and potential shifts in the nomination landscape.

Clyburn Endorses Harris to Replace Biden on Ticket

Meanwhile, former President Trump has taken an early lead over Biden in national polls conducted in the wake of the debate. The results indicate a significant shift in favor of Trump and raise questions about Biden's ability to maintain support among voters.

Despite the challenges facing Biden, his campaign spokesperson has dismissed any internal discussions about his withdrawal from the race. The president's team acknowledges his poor debate performance but maintains that he remains the Democratic nominee.

Clyburn Endorses Harris to Replace Biden on Ticket

As the 2024 election approaches, the dynamics within the Democratic Party are likely to continue to evolve. The fate of Biden's candidacy and the potential rise of alternative candidates will depend on a combination of factors, including the president's performance, the electoral landscape, and the preferences of party leadership and donors.