MSNBC analyst Basil Smikle lambasts Democrats for considering alternatives to Biden, arguing it undermines VP Kamala Harris' chances and fuels unrest within the party.
The Democratic Party has plunged into a state of chaos by openly discussing the replacement of President Biden, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from MSNBC analyst Basil Smikle. Smikle, a political strategist, has vehemently attacked the notion of replacing Biden with anyone other than Vice President Kamala Harris, arguing that it blatantly ignores the needs of Black voters.
Smikle's comments came during a panel discussion on "MSNBC Reports," where he expressed dismay over the growing calls for Biden to step down. He believes that the party is playing into the hands of former President Trump by creating internal divisions.
DNC's Bid to Replace Biden Sparks Chaos, Alienates Black Voters
"If you're even going to have a conversation about who's next, if Kamala Harris, the sitting vice president, is not the first and last name out of your mouth, then tell me how you're going to get Black voters to engage when you change the rules to accommodate somebody other than her?" Smikle questioned.
He further slammed the discussion as a whole, stating that it sows "more concern" and instability within the party. "I hate this open casting call. It's angering," Smikle exclaimed. "I can understand acknowledging that the president didn't have a good debate, but Democrats should be out there saying that on Joe Biden's worst day, he is orders of magnitude better than Donald Trump on his best day. Why is that not the prevailing narrative that's coming out of that debate?"
DNC's Bid to Replace Biden Sparks Chaos, Alienates Black Voters
Smikle's concerns echo those of many Democrats, especially those who fear the potential alienation of Black voters. A recent CNN poll reveals that three-quarters of voters believe the Democrats have a better chance of retaining the White House with someone other than Biden on the ticket. However, the same survey suggests that Harris performs slightly better than Biden in a matchup with Trump.
Despite these findings, Smikle and other analysts maintain that the party's focus should be on rallying around Biden and Harris rather than contemplating replacements. They believe that such discussions only serve to undermine the party's credibility and create openings for Trump to exploit.
DNC's Bid to Replace Biden Sparks Chaos, Alienates Black Voters
Representative James Clyburn, D-S.C., has also expressed reservations about replacing Harris, stating, "This party should not, in any way, do anything to work around Ms. Harris." His comments reflect the broader sentiment among Democrats who view Harris as a crucial asset to the party, especially in light of her strong appeal to Black voters.
The DNC's internal turmoil over Biden's future has become a major talking point, with analysts and pundits weighing in on both sides of the issue. While some argue that the party needs to consider alternative candidates, others believe that such discussions are premature and counterproductive.
DNC's Bid to Replace Biden Sparks Chaos, Alienates Black Voters
As the election draws closer, the Democrats face a difficult choice: to stand firmly behind Biden and Harris or to risk voter alienation and internal divisions by continuing to explore alternative options. The outcome of these discussions will have a significant impact on the party's chances of success in the upcoming election.
