The White House is facing criticism for allegedly failing to adequately promote Vice President Kamala Harris as a viable successor amid calls from Democrats for President Joe Biden to step down.

Vice President Kamala Harris is considered by some Democrats as the best candidate to take on Trump if Biden steps down, but others believe that she has not been given the prominence needed over the past several years to be viewed similarly by a large portion of the electorate, as the Daily Mail reports.

Biden's administration has, according to critics, failed to sufficiently prepare Harris to lead, earlier promises during the 2020 campaign to do just that.

When introducing Harris as his running mate in August 2020, Biden praised her as a "fearless fighter for the little guy." Nonetheless, his team has continuously avoided questions about Harris' preparedness to take the reins if needed, dismissing them as distractions rooted in Republican talking points.

Biden Team Avoids Harris Discussion

Even after the election, Harris was not prominently showcased as a governing partner. Both former and current chiefs of staff, Ron Klain and Jeff Zients, acknowledged that the administration could have done more to elevate Harris's profile. Harris's first year in office was particularly challenging due to staff resignations and her tough role in addressing illegal immigration.

Despite these difficulties, Harris managed to gain popularity among abortion activists through her impassioned advocacy before the 2022 midterms.

Following Biden's poor debate performance on June 27, Harris stepped in to defend him and help soothe donor concerns. At least 10 Democrats have called for Biden to withdraw from the race in light of his lackluster performance.

Biden’s Commitment Amidst Succession Talks

Meanwhile, the Republican campaign efforts have increasingly targeted Harris in their ads. Nonetheless, Biden remains resolute in his intent to stay in the race, receiving encouragement from first lady Jill Biden. Professor Anthony Fowler suggested that Biden's team might not believe there's a viable alternative capable of defeating Trump.

Former Biden adviser Julian Castro also chimed in, arguing that Biden should fulfill his promise to transition leadership to the next generation and bolster a strong Democrat candidate capable of preventing a second Trump term. He emphasized that time is running out for a change in leadership.

Former Rep. Tim Ryan criticized the administration's handling of Harris's role, particularly on immigration, stating that the administration hasn't delivered results on the issue. He mentioned that the Democrats have effectively ceded the issue to Republicans and emphasized that Harris isn't to blame for this shortcoming.

Past Promises and Current Realities

Reflecting on Biden's March 2020 statement, he described himself as a bridge to a new generation of leaders, indicative of his role as a transition candidate. Biden reiterated this sentiment at a 2020 online fundraiser, encouraging more people to step up and be ready to lead. Despite these assertions, his administration did not prepare Harris accordingly.

Klain admitted, "Obviously, I wish, you know - you could always do more, and you should do more." Zients also emphasized Harris's contributions, particularly her role in ensuring "equity" was central to the administration's COVID response.

Calls for Biden to Withdraw Strengthen

Following the recent debate, a significant number of Democrats have suggested that Biden should withdraw from the race. This call for succession has brought Harris's potential leadership into sharper focus.

Biden stands firm on his decision to remain in the race, despite the mounting pressure from his party. He voiced his determination explicitly, stating, "I'm staying in the race."

Anthony Fowler explained that if there was stronger confidence in Harris's ability to secure a win, Biden might have already endorsed her and stepped aside. He noted that voter enthusiasm for Biden isn't as high as it could be, contributing to the broader debate about the future leadership of the Democratic Party.

Conclusion

In light of the recent political dynamics, the criticism surrounding the White House's handling of Vice President Kamala Harris's role has intensified.

Prominent Democrats are advocating for a stronger promotion of Harris as a potential successor amidst growing calls for President Joe Biden to step down following his debate performance.

Despite these pressures, Biden remains steadfast in his bid for re-election, bolstered by support from the First Lady and concerns over finding a viable alternative to defeat Trump.