2024 US Presidential Election: Kamala Harris's team fears racial insensitivity if Joe Biden steps down. Will Black voters be angry?

If Joe Biden steps down, Kamala Harris's camp fears that Democrats would select a white candidate in her place. They contend that failing to acknowledge her would be "offensive" to black voters. After a dismal television debate with Donald Trump, Biden is facing calls to get out of the race because of his advanced age. Despite this, the Biden-Harris campaign has rejected suggestions for a younger candidate, as per the reports of 'Yahoo News'.

Frustrations and racial dynamics

Supporters of Kamala Harris are angry that she isn't included on lists of possible successors, which primarily include Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and California Governor Gavin Newsom. A Harris ally told 'Politico' that it is disrespectful and sends the wrong message to the Democrats to pass over a black woman for the position. Black voters are a crucial constituency for the Democrats, and appealing to them is important, according to another source.

Also Read: Recession looming large on US economy? What growth rate has been predicted by Fed Reserve body? Everything you may like to know

Shifting voter support

Black Americans' support for Biden has decreased from 93% in 2020 to 77%, according to Pew Research statistics. This group still goes toward Biden, but any shift in favor of Trump might affect important swing states. The argument made by Harris's team is that her race might aid in winning over black voters.

Polling challenges

Harris, though, has obstacles in the Democratic Party. According to polls, she does worse than Biden versus Trump, falling short in a straight-up contest by six percentage points. In the polls are held right now, Biden and Trump are almost even.

Calls for a new nominee

Despite Biden's uncontested primary victory earlier this year, no Democratic officials have demanded that he step down. Party strategists are concerned, meanwhile, that he might not be able to defeat Trump due to his advanced age. They propose holding a "contested convention" to choose a new nominee in August, this time in Chicago.

Also Read: Barack Obama concerned about Biden’s campaign; offers to help

Public support for Biden-Harris ticket

Whitmer and Newsom have stated that they have no plans to replace Biden and Harris and have openly endorsed their ticket. Whitmer assured Biden campaign staff members that she was not responsible for articles in the media endorsing her as a potential successor. In addition, Newsom called for party unity, downplaying calls for a replacement and highlighting the necessity for Democrats to stand for Biden.

FAQs:

What are the frustrations of Harris's supporters?
Harris’s supporters are upset that she isn’t considered a potential successor, as lists mainly feature Governors Whitmer and Newsom, ignoring Harris’s contributions and significance.

How has black voter support for Biden changed?
Black voter support for Biden has dropped from 93% in 2020 to 77%, according to Pew Research, signaling a potential shift that could impact key swing states.