Kamala Harris focused on defeating Trump rather than concerns about Biden as she talks to Black voters.Harris emphasizes defeating Trump over addressing concerns about Biden as she tries to appeal to Black voters. Her campaign strategy focuses on uniting voters against Trump.
Vice President Kamala Harris is shifting the focus to the dangers of a second Trump administration, rather than addressing the growing concerns about President Joe Biden’s candidacy. Harris spoke at the Essence Festival in New Orleans, emphasizing the importance of voting in record numbers to prevent Trump’s return to power.
“This is probably the most significant election of our lifetime,” Harris said, warning that Trump has “openly” expressed “his intention to be a dictator on Day 1” if reelected. Harris’ message was clear: the stakes are high, and the Black community must come out in force to support the Biden-Harris ticket.
The visit to the Essence Festival comes as the Biden campaign works to revive a crucial part of the coalition that helped propel him to the White House in 2020. Biden won an overwhelming 87% of the Black vote in 2020, but Trump has made inroads with the community recently. A New York Times/Siena College survey found Trump winning over 20% of Black voters in a two-way matchup with Biden, a historic high if it translates to votes in November.
Harris attempted to convince festival attendees that “we can see it through” if they vote in record numbers again. “People voted in record numbers in 2020. This is what was able to happen, and when everyone votes in those numbers again in 122 days, we can see it through,” Harris said.
“People voted in record numbers in 2020. This is what was able to happen, and when everyone votes in those numbers again in 122 days, we can see it through,” Harris said.
The White House has struggled to quell concerns over Biden’s mental fitness and the viability of his campaign following his poor performance in CNN’s presidential debate last week. Some Democrats have called on Biden to closely examine his reelection bid, while others have gone as far as calling for him to step aside. Biden has remained defiant, telling reporters he’s “completely ruling out” exiting the race.
Many see Harris as the obvious successor if Biden steps aside, with a recent CNN poll showing her outpacing Biden in a hypothetical race against Trump. Some Republicans hope to avoid a Harris presidency, believing Trump’s path back to the White House would be easier against Biden.
However, Harris has repeatedly come to Biden’s defense, and her staff has purposely snubbed calls and texts from those urging her to consider a run. Harris emphasized her support for Biden, saying, “We’re focused on Biden. We’re focused on the fact that not only has he done a good job, but we anticipate that he’s going to continue.”
Other Biden surrogates at the event tackled the issue head-on, throwing their support behind the president and telling voters he’s not going anywhere. Rep. Joyce Beatty argued that Biden shouldn’t withdraw from the race just because of one debate. “We’ve all had a bad day,” the Ohio Democrat said, later adding, “Don’t go out there turning your back on this president.”
California Rep. Maxine Waters emphasized, “Biden is not going anywhere.” When asked whether she would support Harris if Biden dropped out, Waters said, “We’re focused on Biden. We’re focused on the fact that not only has he done a good job, but we anticipate that he’s going to continue.”
Festival attendees who spoke to CNN said they think Harris is prepared to step in if Biden bows out of the race. However, voters emphasized they will cast their ballot for whoever the Democratic nominee is in November. “Keep the ticket the way it is. Her time will come. … Stick with the game plan. You had a plan; stick with the plan. The plan worked before; it will work again,” said Jeri Peris, a New Orleans resident.
