A Syracuse University political expert says the likelihood that Kamala Harris will be the democratic nominee for president can energize the party’s base and drive voters to the polls. On the other hand, it could fuel more republican criticism of left-leaning causes.
Political Science Professor Grant Reeher says President Biden’s departure from the race comes a little later than expected given the growing discontent with his candidacy.
“Enthusiasm for Biden was definitely waning. I mean that you could just feel it," Reeher said. "You could see it in in the people surrounding him. It was a sinking ship. And people were beginning to act accordingly. This is a new chance.”
Reeher says now democrats see a chance to make history by electing the first woman of color as president. At the same time, Kamala Harris needs to reassure the rest of the country that her candidacy ensures stability in a sharply divided nation.
“She needs to provide clarity with some specificity over what a Harris Presidency would look like over four years and to assuage some of, I'm sure, the fears that Republicans are going to be trying to gin up, that she is going to shift things much further to the left of Joe Biden.”
Back in 2020, Harris ran as a more liberal alternative to Biden's moderate campaign.
Another issue is what the change could mean for Congressional races in Central New York and elsewhere. Reeher says both Republican incumbent Brandon Williams and Democratic challenger John Mannion should stay focused in 22nd district congressional race.
“They have to run their own get out the vote efforts. They have to run their own messaging and think about their own race," Reeher said. "It's not that they wouldn't be doing that already, but I think any kind of reliance on coattails or down ballot effects, it's just so uncertain that you have to cover all your own bases yourself.”
Meanwhile, all eyes will be on the democratic national convention late next month. Harris is expected to spend the next few weeks courting delegates and voters, while republicans shift their strategy to discredit Harris and her candidacy.
