Kevin O'Leary, a renowned businessman and co-host of TV's Shark Tank, voiced his concerns about the potential consequences for the Democratic Party if Vice President Kamala Harris loses to former President Donald Trump in the upcoming 2024 election.

O'Leary, known for his sharp business acumen, compared Harris’s candidacy process to that of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2016, suggesting both were "anointed" by the Democratic Party and that the VP could, therefore, have turbulent waters ahead, as the Washington Examiner reports.

The TV personality warned that a loss by Harris could lead to significant turmoil within the Democratic Party. He emphasized the importance of Harris distinguishing her policies from those of President Joe Biden as she navigates the campaign trail.

His remarks come as recent polls indicate a tightening race between Harris and Trump, with the former president holding a slight edge.

Concerns Over Coronation and Its Consequences

O'Leary expressed skepticism about the Democratic Party’s strategy, drawing parallels between Harris’s current situation and Clinton’s 2016 nomination.

He noted that both candidates were seemingly chosen by the party without a thorough vetting process, which he believes could be a critical error. "Now I’m not saying she’s going to lose, but I would have never let that happen if I’m selling a business," O'Leary stated during an appearance on Fox News’s Fox and Friends Saturday.

He further elaborated on his point by highlighting the potential risks of not exploring alternative candidates. O'Leary suggested that Harris could have emerged as a stronger contender if the nomination process had been more competitive, echoing concerns that her “anointment” might mirror the challenges faced by Clinton in 2016.

O’Leary’s Perspective on Harris’s Chances

Despite his concerns, O’Leary acknowledged that Harris's chances of winning are still viable, estimating them at "50-50." He pointed out the significance of swing states and the pivotal role they will play in determining the election's outcome. According to O’Leary, the focus of voters in these key states will be on policies, not personalities, making it crucial for Harris to clearly define her stance on various issues.

O’Leary emphasized that Harris should not rely solely on her association with President Biden, particularly when it comes to economic policies. He described "Bidenomics" as "radioactive waste" for Harris’s campaign, advising her to distance herself from the president’s economic agenda.

He noted that swing state voters are likely to scrutinize her policies closely, making it essential for Harris to establish her independence from Biden's legacy.

Importance of Policy Clarity for Harris

O'Leary urged Harris to demonstrate her ability to lead without relying on prepared speeches or teleprompters. He argued that her effectiveness in conveying her policies directly to the electorate could be a decisive factor in her campaign. "That’s going to be where the tire hits the road," he stated, underscoring the need for Harris to prove her competency as a leader.

This advice comes as Harris faces a narrowing gap in the polls. Recent data indicates that Trump currently leads Harris by a slim margin, with 49% support among likely voters compared to Harris’s 46%. This marks a slight improvement for Harris, who had trailed by 4 points in the previous week’s poll.

Possible Implications for the Democratic Party

O'Leary’s comments also extended to the broader implications for the Democratic Party. He suggested that if Harris were to lose, the party might continue its pattern of “anointing” future candidates without fully considering alternative options. This, he argued, could lead to further challenges for the party in future elections.

The entrepreneur's critique of the Democratic Party's strategy highlights his belief in the importance of a competitive nomination process.

He noted that California Governor Gavin Newsom had hinted at the possibility of other candidates who might have been more thoroughly vetted or could have emerged stronger. However, O'Leary expressed concern that the party did not pursue such a process, which he believes could prove to be a significant oversight.

Conclusion: Navigating a Challenging Path Forward

As the 2024 election approaches, O'Leary's warnings serve as a stark reminder of the challenges Vice President Harris faces.

From the potential pitfalls of being “anointed” by her party to the need for policy clarity and independence from President Biden, Harris's path to victory is fraught with obstacles.

With swing states likely to play a decisive role, her ability to connect with voters on a policy level will be crucial. As O’Leary pointed out, the Democratic Party’s approach to her nomination could have lasting implications, not just for Harris, but for the party’s future as well.