POLITICO: Kamala Harris allies quietly prepare for potential Biden withdrawal

Allies of Vice President Kamala Harris are quietly preparing for a potential scenario where President Joe Biden might step down, according to POLITICO.

This behind-the-scenes effort, which is not officially sanctioned by Harris, is aimed at positioning her as the Democratic presidential nominee should Biden decide to withdraw. The urgency of this informal campaign has increased as Biden’s presidential campaign faced instability late last week.

The initiative highlights the challenges Harris would face in rapidly building a political operation and crafting a compelling biography that extends beyond her prominent defence of reproductive rights. Her allies recognize the need to create a comprehensive narrative around her accomplishments to bolster her candidacy. Despite their efforts, there remains scepticism within the party about Harris’s ability to secure the presidency against former President Donald Trump. This scepticism adds pressure on her to swiftly prepare for a possible nomination contest.

The informal campaign involves former Harris staffers, members of the Congressional Black Caucus, civil rights leaders, and long-standing allies. They are working discreetly to ensure Harris is ready to step in should the situation arise. “There is an effort quietly afoot to position an apparatus to turn on the lights when the time is right,” said one individual familiar with the discussions, who spoke anonymously to discuss sensitive matters.

Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.), during a recent dinner with CBC members and civil rights leaders, vocally supported Biden but also suggested that if he were to leave, Harris should be his successor. Clyburn’s comments underscored the need for a smooth transition to prevent a chaotic convention, which could jeopardize the party’s chances in the general election. While Clyburn’s spokesperson did not confirm his remarks, he has previously endorsed Harris for the top ticket.

The effort to support Harris comes amid concerns that she lacks a robust political operation of her own. According to a former senior Biden aide, there is no existing "Run, Kamala, Run" group ready to support her candidacy. This puts her at a disadvantage compared to other potential candidates who may be preparing more aggressively.

David Plouffe, President Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign manager, suggested that Harris should assert her position and make a strong case for her candidacy. However, the path forward for Harris will depend significantly on Biden’s decisions. If Biden either steps down or does not take a clear stance, Harris could face intense competition from other ambitious presidential hopefuls.

The plan for Harris’s allies includes demonstrating her policy expertise and making a compelling case to both the American public and the Democratic convention. Despite Harris’s public loyalty to Biden, which restricts her ability to actively campaign for the nomination, her supporters are working to ensure that she is prepared to take over if necessary. The challenge will be to navigate a complex political landscape and gain the support needed to secure the nomination.