Democrats and Their Presidential Candidates
Democrats can be quite tough, despite their reputation for being sensitive. When it comes to selecting a presidential candidate, their patience often wears thin. Figures like Walter Mondale, Michael Dukakis, Al Gore, and John Kerry were embraced by the party, only to be pushed aside after disappointing results.
In contrast, Republicans seem to have more faith in second chances. Most GOP candidates in the last fifty years have faced at least one unsuccessful run for the presidency before eventually securing their party’s nomination.
This lineup of “Retreads” includes both the current president and a past U.S. president who reclaimed the Oval Office four years ago.
So, what accounts for this difference? It might take a psychologist or a scientist to find out if there’s something psychological at play or if it’s rooted in the party’s structure.
Regardless, it’s noteworthy that Kamala Harris is now facing similar scrutiny following the release of her campaign memoir. If the former California vice president and current senator opts for another presidential run in 2028, the outlook might not be favorable.
Critiques have come from various angles.
Many of Joe Biden’s loyal supporters aren’t exactly enthusiastic about Harris, partly due to her light criticism of the aging president, which she often left to her husband. There’s a notable absence of self-deprecation among other Democrats regarding her situation. Harris has attributed her initial defeat to a lack of time to make her case, as mentioned in her book’s title.
Some Democrats lament that former vice presidents often disappear into obscurity after their losses rather than rebound. This sentiment echoes past critiques aimed at Hillary Clinton when she shared her post-election insights after losing to Trump in 2016.
That backlash highlights a widespread frustration regarding politicians who seem entirely focused on their next campaign, often dismissing the genuine struggles of the party. While Democrats successfully reclaimed the White House in 2020, thanks in part to Clinton’s earlier attempts at solidifying support, the atmosphere around campaign enthusiasm remains complex.
In the realm of potential rivals, Harris offers various perspectives, including thoughts from party colleagues and competitors eyeing 2028.
Pete Buttigieg, a star from the 2020 campaign, might have seemed a fitting choice for vice president. However, Harris worries that a combination of a Black woman and a gay partner might challenge his voter appeal. Buttigieg believes Harris might underestimate public perception with her thoughts on the matter.
Governors like Pennsylvania’s Josh Shapiro and Minnesota’s Tim Walz are also in the mix. Some speculate that Walz hinting at Harris’s potential awareness of Biden’s shortcomings reflects his aspirations following the presidential race.
For those in California, the most intriguing dynamic may come from Harris’s long-standing rivalry with Governor Gavin Newsom.
The two have navigated a complex journey since they rose to political prominence in the early 2000s, characterized by both collaboration and rivalry.
In her memoir, Harris recounts her outreach to key Democrats after Biden’s sudden withdrawal. While there was some initial enthusiasm, Newsom’s terse response, suggesting a need for space, hinted at underlying tensions. Despite claiming he would offer support later, he never followed through.
This anecdote subtly underscores the complexities between two prominent Democrats from California.
Now, as they both eye 2028, Harris navigates discussions regarding her future aspirations cautiously.
“That’s not my focus right now,” she told Rachel Maddow, providing a careful but noncommittal response. Meanwhile, Newsom appears to be positioning himself for a run as well, though he avoids directly stating it.
A competitive race between these two seasoned rivals could create quite a narrative in the political landscape. With many seeking fresh leadership, it won’t be easy for Democrats to decide between these two figures who share a deep history yet visibly diverge in their current paths.
While Newsom aims to enhance his democratic connections, Harris seems to struggle to maintain hers.
