TOI World Desk
The once-hopeful underdog vice president Kamala Harris, who entered the race as a last-minute challenger to Republican frontrunner Donald Trump in the US elections, was defeated by a margin that left even seasoned party leaders questioning the future direction of the Democratic Party.
Harris’s defeat has sparked criticism and anger among Democrats, with some blaming her campaign strategy, while others point fingers at US President Joe Biden’s leadership.
Biden, 81, had announced his run for reelection in April 2023, amid widespread skepticism about his health and fitness to lead. His confidence, however, was unshaken. “I am fit to serve,” he had said, determined to prove he was the only Democrat capable of defeating Trump.
But a fateful debate in June brought his mental acuity into question, ultimately prompting him to bow out of the race in July, citing the best interests of the party and the nation.
For some, Biden’s exit came too late. A prominent Democratic donor, voicing his disapproval, told news agency Reuters, “Why did Joe Biden hold on for as long as he did? He should have not concealed his (health) and dropped out a lot sooner.”
Longtime Democratic donor and hedge fund manager Bill Ackman said, “The party lied to the American people about the cognitive health and fitness of the president, and then didn’t hold a primary to replace him.”
As party members scrambled to get behind Harris, internal criticisms of Biden’s close circle surfaced, with one official lamenting the “malpractice” of Biden’s advisors. “They never told him no,” they reportedly said.
While Harris stepped into the void as Biden’s loyal successor, her alignment with his policies may have proven to be her weak point. A former campaign aide said that Harris’ loyalty to Biden placed her at odds with potential voters looking for a fresh direction. Her remark on ABC’s “The View” — that she wouldn’t have done anything differently than Biden — added fuel to critics who felt she failed to present herself as an agent of change.
“The party needed someone willing to take bold, independent stands,” the aide was quoted by Reuters, pointing to global examples like Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who recalibrated his immigration policies in response to right-wing pressure.
Supporters Harris had hoped would rally behind her, particularly younger, diverse voters passionate about climate action and progressive ideals, and women concerned about abortion rights, did not turn out in the numbers anticipated. Trump also pulled support in suburban regions once trending blue, as well as among Hispanic voters and across states like Georgia and North Carolina, where Democrats believed they could compete.Some Democratic National Committee officials reported receiving an outpouring of discontent from party members on election night, citing frustration over a campaign that they felt had offered false hope. “They feel lied to,” a DNC official said, noting that many party members had anticipated a closer race.
The loss marks the Democrats’ second devastating defeat to Trump in recent years, rekindling memories of Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign. Trump, despite facing legal troubles and proposing controversial policies, including across-the-board tariffs that economists warn could hurt American consumers, still managed to sway undecided voters. His campaign effectively leveraged concerns about immigration, pledging mass deportations, which resonated in ways that Harris’ inclusive platform could not match.
Divisive issues like Biden and Harris’ stance on US support for Israel during the Gaza crisis, which splintered progressive Democrats from the party’s mainstream, added to the setbacks.
On election night, crowds gathered outside Harris’ alma mater, Howard University, expecting a prolonged counting process. But by Wednesday afternoon, the result was clear. Harris arrived at Howard to deliver a brief, solemn concession speech, thanking Biden and vowing, “While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign.”
(With agency inputs)