Democrats who wanted Biden to drop out now think Harris is doing better than expected.
Tim Ryan, the former Ohio congressman, certainly caused a stir in the political world when he publicly suggested that Vice President Kamala Harris should replace President Biden as the Democratic nominee after his poor debate performance. Making headlines on July 2nd, Ryan embarked on a media tour advocating for Harris to take the lead in the upcoming election.
At a critical juncture when Democrats were feeling concerned about Biden’s chances for reelection, Ryan took to social media to express his belief in Harris’s ability to take on Trump in debates, energize the Democratic base, engage young voters, and bring about generational change. He firmly stated, “It’s time!”
Despite initially feeling like his words were “whistling in the wind,” Ryan later made another bold move by endorsing Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as Harris’s running mate. His unexpected accuracy in foreseeing Harris’s success prompted humorous reactions from friends, jokingly suggesting a trip to Vegas to test his predictive abilities.
Ryan, who briefly competed against Harris in the 2020 Democratic primary, reflected on the current state of the election with pride. Coaching his son’s football games amidst the political whirlwind, Ryan shared his delight with Harris’s exceptional performance as the Democratic nominee, surpassing his already high expectations.
The response to Harris’s first debate as the nominee has been overwhelmingly positive, with polls showing a significant boost in support since her selection. Despite facing early skepticism and controversy, her trajectory in the campaign has proven that the calls for Biden to step aside were justified.
One of the first congressional Democrats to urge Biden to withdraw, Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Texas expressed satisfaction with the outcome, despite the slower pace at which others joined his call. Harris’s emergence has not only rejuvenated the Democratic Party but has also strengthened the chances of other Democrats running for office.
Rep. Angie Craig, a moderate Democrat from Minnesota, echoed the sentiment of many in the party, noting a notable shift in her district’s polling following Harris’s nomination. The prospect of Harris and Walz leading the ticket has injected new energy into Democratic campaigns across the nation.
House Democratic campaign officials anticipate that Harris’s presence at the top of the ticket will inspire voters and positively impact down-ballot races in November. Rep. Suzan Delbene, who heads the House Democratic campaign arm, emphasized the increased enthusiasm and momentum generated by the Harris-Walz ticket.
For Ryan, the lively atmosphere of the campaign and the enthusiastic support for Harris validate his initial recommendation. However, he believes there is more work to be done to secure a victory. Encouraging the Harris team to increase her visibility and engage with voters on a deeper level, Ryan stressed the importance of showcasing toughness alongside the “happy warrior” demeanor.
The campaign landscape, as envisioned by Ryan, is shaping up to be dynamic and engaging, with Harris leading the charge towards a potentially historic victory. His insights and recommendations continue to play a crucial role in guiding the campaign towards success.