Biden Steps Down: What’s Next for the Democrats?

In a significant turn of events, President Joe Biden has announced he will not seek re-election. While this may surprise some, those closely following recent political developments might have seen it coming. Biden's declining support, coupled with a surge in support for Donald Trump following a recent assassination attempt, made it clear that his re-election bid faced significant challenges.

Biden’s decision to step down, whether influenced by the Democratic Party or a strategic move to bolster their chances against Trump, marks a pivotal moment. Immediately after his announcement, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. Discussions about Harris as a potential presidential nominee have been ongoing, especially given her recent efforts to raise her profile after a relatively low-key vice presidency. For instance, at a presidential town hall hosted by APIAVote during my internship, Biden declined to attend, while Harris seized the opportunity to speak.

With Biden’s age and health in question, Harris may have been a calculated contingency plan for the Democrats. However, her nomination is not guaranteed. Despite Biden’s backing and support from many Democrats, the party must engage in internal discussions before finalizing their candidate.

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison addressed this new scenario, stating, “In the coming days, the Party will undertake a transparent and orderly process to move forward as a united Democratic Party with a candidate who can defeat Donald Trump in November. This process will be governed by established rules and procedures of the Party. Our delegates are prepared to take seriously their responsibility in swiftly delivering a candidate to the American people.”

While the party seems inclined to endorse Harris, this raises some concerns. Despite the simplicity of endorsing the VP, Harris is not universally popular. During her tenure as Attorney General of California, she faced criticism for policies that adversely affected minority groups, such as the Three Strikes Law, which disproportionately led to life sentences for African Americans over minor offenses. Her reluctance to investigate police misconduct further marred her record. As a Sikh, I was particularly disturbed by her stance on not allowing imprisoned Sikh men to keep their long hair, a significant aspect of our identity.

Given these factors, I am uncertain about supporting Harris. She shares many of Biden’s views, including on the conflict in Gaza, and has a contentious history with minority communities. Additionally, I doubt her ability to prevail in a general election.

To counter Trump’s strong personality, the Democratic Party needs a candidate capable of matching his energy. Ideally, someone like Michelle Obama, who possesses the experience and charisma to challenge Trump effectively. Although Harris is younger and capable in debates, her problematic history and lack of moderate appeal may hinder her chances. The nation felt more united under Obama’s leadership, which projected strength and unity.

Despite Michelle Obama’s reluctance to re-enter politics, my sentiment remains: the Democratic Party needs a dynamic, youthful leader who can unite the country and command respect globally. It’s time to choose someone who can restore America's standing and ensure the world takes us seriously.

by Harman Kohli