Former Obama adviser David Axelrod urges supporters to avoid casting Kamala Harris as the default 2024 nominee, emphasizing the need for her to demonstrate her capabilities to voters.
Ex-Obama adviser David Axelrod has cautioned supporters of Kamala Harris against prematurely positioning her as the inevitable replacement for President Biden on the 2024 Democratic ticket. He argues that Harris must prove to voters that she is the strongest candidate and earn the nomination through an open and competitive process.
Axelrod's comments came in response to Harris' endorsement by President Biden following his decision to suspend his own campaign. While some supporters have hailed Harris as the natural successor, Axelrod believes that such a stance could undermine her candidacy.
Axelrod Warns Harris Needs to Prove Worthiness, Supporters' Positioning a 'Disservice'
"I think some of her supporters have done her a disservice because they say, well, she's there, she's historic, you can't bypass her and so on," Axelrod said. "The real case they should be making is why she'd be the strongest candidate. And there are some really strong arguments to suggest she would be, but she might be stronger if she comes through a process that is open."
Axelrod emphasized the importance of Harris facing competition and proving her mettle.
Axelrod Warns Harris Needs to Prove Worthiness, Supporters' Positioning a 'Disservice'
"I think that people are going to take a hard look at this, try and open up the process and see if others step forward," he said. "Others may not, but she would be in a stronger position if she can say, I went through a process and I emerged as the nominee of the Democratic Party by dent of that process and not just as a gesture by the president to hand me this nomination."
Axelrod believes that such an approach would allow Harris to emerge as a stronger candidate and demonstrate her resilience and readiness for the presidency.
Axelrod Warns Harris Needs to Prove Worthiness, Supporters' Positioning a 'Disservice'
"She may be battle-scarred, but she's also battle-tested in a way others aren't and they should be making that case," he said.
Harris has received endorsements from President Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and several Democratic lawmakers. However, many Democrats have refrained from endorsing Harris or mentioning her in their statements on Biden's withdrawal from the race.
Axelrod Warns Harris Needs to Prove Worthiness, Supporters' Positioning a 'Disservice'
Former President Obama also notably did not endorse Harris in his statement, leading to speculation about his reasons.
Despite the endorsements and positive reception, Harris will face a competitive Democratic primary field. Several potential candidates, including Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg, and California Governor Gavin Newsom, have been mentioned as possible contenders.
The Democratic National Committee has yet to finalize the primary debate schedule or other details of the nomination process.
