In a recent opinion piece for The Washington Post, Kathleen Parker made a bold suggestion. She believes Vice President Kamala Harris should consider stepping down for the benefit of the nation. This idea was shared in an editorial last Friday.
Parker had initially been hopeful that Harris would excel and bring a new shine to her role as the Vice President. Unfortunately, both she and many other Americans feel let down by Harris’s performance in office.
Parker highlights a significant issue, often referred to as the “Kamala conundrum.” She points out that Harris was chosen for her role due to her being both Black and female, which was seen as a form of job security. However, now that Harris seems to be more of a liability than an asset to the Democratic ticket, President Biden finds himself in a tough spot. He cannot afford to dismiss her without risking the support of his base.
The concern over this situation grows as many Americans are also worried about President Joe Biden’s age and cognitive abilities. Parker emphasizes the gravity of these concerns, noting Biden’s challenges despite his relatively successful State of the Union address. She mentions a New York Times poll indicating that 73 percent of registered voters think Biden is too old for his role, including 61 percent of those who voted for him in 2020.
Parker also points out Harris’s low approval ratings, which are among the lowest ever for a sitting vice president. She argues that these numbers are unlikely to improve significantly if Harris were to become the top candidate on the Democratic ticket.
Parker’s conclusion is clear. She believes that for the good of the country, and perhaps more directly for the Democratic Party’s prospects in 2024, Harris should consider stepping aside. However, Parker does not suggest a potential replacement for Harris.
This editorial presents a critical view of the current administration’s challenges and the tough decisions that may lie ahead.