It’s common knowledge among political circles that the Democrats have a tradition of abandoning their presidential candidates who fail to secure victory. This is a pattern seen consistently throughout history, with evidence galore. For example, after the defeat of Hillary Clinton in the 2016 elections, the Democratic Party decided to move ahead without her in 2020. Similar incidents have occurred with figures like John Kerry in 2004, and Al Gore in 2000, demonstrating the party’s unwillingness to give second chances. Figures like Michael Dukakis, Walter Mondale, Jimmy Carter, George McGovern, and Hubert Humphrey all faced the same fate. Each of them were left out in the cold after failing to secure a win.
Indeed, one would have to cast their minds back to 1952 to find an exception. The name was Adlai Stevenson, and despite losing the election that year, he was renominated by the Democratic Party in 1956, only to be defeated yet again. With this historical perspective in mind, the question inevitably arises about what awaits Kamala Harris, the former vice president who faltered in the 2024 elections.
Yes, Harris did start her campaign late and had the heavy burden of stepping out from behind Joe Biden, who by many accounts was not at the peak of his powers. What’s worse, despite enjoying the advantages of a massive support base, virtually unlimited funds, and a media that seemed to lap up every action and decision she made, she fell short against her competitor. The latter, by the way, had a dubious record of being indicted four different times!
Let’s not overlook the fact that the Democratic presidential ticket reported a deeper loss in 2024 compared to 2020. They appeared to lose ground in critical swing states, and even with core Democratic demographic groups, like black and Hispanic voters. This outcome, coupled with the Democratic loss of the House and Senate, threw the party into a period of introspective soul-searching that continues to this day.
Fast forward to today, the Democrats face a quandary. They seem divided, torn between wanting to devote their whole identity to discredit President Donald Trump and a more rational instinct to revise their stance and win back the trust of lost voters. As things stand, the urge to relentlessly assault and demean Trump seems to be the ongoing strategy.
The looming question for 2028 then is, will the Democrats wish to renominate Kamala Harris? Given the historical precedent, the answer appears to be self-evident. Close allies suggest that Harris herself has caught onto the party’s pattern and is considering a run for governor of California in 2026, instead of another presidential attempt. She seems to have reduced her political future to a binary choice, indicating that she could pursue a gubernatorial campaign, or another presidential race, but not both.
What’s interesting though, is that Harris seems to have convinced herself that the 2024 elections were not a specific indictment of her, but of Biden. However, she also acknowledges the likelihood of her failing to secure the Democratic nomination if she embarked on another presidential attempt.
Of course, a run for the California governor’s office isn’t a guaranteed success either. Sure, Harris is a national figure, and she has shown herself capable of winning state-wide races in California previously. However, the current frontrunner, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, is already deep into his campaign. Would Harris’s entry make others capitulate in her favor?
Moreover, Harris seems to be viewing the California governorship as a perch for her to continue bashing Trump. She apparently believes that being governor of a major blue state would give her a powerful platform to express her disapproval of Trump and his policies, and to defend Democratic priorities. If she’s thinking along these lines, she may face a couple of obstacles.
Firstly, she isn’t the only Democrat in line to critique Trump, suggesting her attacks may not be as potent as assumed. Secondly, Trump will be out of office halfway through her hypothetical term as governor, leaving her raring to fight a ghost. Blaming an already gone figure may not sit well with California voters who may wish for a more forward-oriented leadership.
Reports from publications like The New York Times suggest that Harris may be contemplating alternative courses that don’t involve running for office. Meanwhile, Harris’s spouse, Douglas Emhoff, has reportedly joined the law firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher, garnering a hefty annual income of $6 million.
This financial comfort offers Harris an unusual luxury. She is not obliged to run for any office, make speeches, or establish institutes. Instead, she could sit back, relax, indulge in her interests, or provide advice to aspiring politicians. Despite her previous stumbles, Harris seems to be at a crossroad, blessed with multiple options for her future.
The post Haunted by 2024 Failure: Kamala Harris’s Shaky Political Ground appeared first on Real News Now.
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