Biden on the trail: Will the US president help or hurt Harris’s campaign?

News 15-08-2024

Kamala Harris’s campaign for the White House is gaining momentum, but Joe Biden’s presence on the campaign trail could be a double-edged sword. Experts are debating whether Biden’s involvement will be beneficial or detrimental to Harris’s bid for the presidency.

Harris, after Biden’s withdrawal from the presidential race, delivered her first public speech, where she lauded Biden’s achievements. She described his three-year tenure as unmatched in modern history, surpassing many two-term presidents.

In the following weeks, Harris was confirmed as the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee, selecting Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate. Her campaign injected new energy into what had been a subdued election season. Despite her public praise, Biden has not been prominently involved in her campaign, raising questions about his role and impact.

Tatishe Nteta, a political science professor at UMass Amherst, believes that while Biden could offer valuable advice, his active participation might not be strategically wise. Biden, who exited the race due to concerns about his age and cognitive abilities, has expressed his willingness to support Harris in key states like Pennsylvania.

Biden is also scheduled to speak at the Democratic National Convention, where he is expected to highlight his administration’s accomplishments. However, his tenure has faced criticism on various fronts, including immigration policies and his staunch support for Israel during the Gaza conflict. This has made Biden a target for Republican attacks, some of which have extended to Harris since her presidential bid began.

Republicans have particularly criticized Harris’s immigration record, mislabeling her as the administration’s “border czar.” Harris has also faced protests from Democratic Party segments over the administration’s Israel policy, with some advocates pushing her to take a stronger stance against Israel’s actions in Gaza.

Hasan Pyarali, the Muslim Caucus chairperson for College Democrats of America, argues that Biden’s presence could harm Harris’s campaign unless she distances herself from his stance on Israel. He believes Harris has a rare opportunity to rebrand herself as more progressive and youth-oriented.

Both Pyarali and Nteta agree that Harris’s campaign must move beyond rhetoric and clearly define her policies. Harris’s success will hinge not just on enthusiasm but also on offering a distinct policy vision, particularly on contentious issues like Gaza.

With Biden originally expected to face Trump in a rematch, voters had shown limited enthusiasm for the options available. A UMass Amherst poll found that a significant portion of Harris’s supporters back her because she represents a new generation. If elected, Harris would make history as the first woman, as well as the first Black and South Asian woman, to serve as U.S. president