Beschloss & Costa: Biden's Fall, Kamala's Rise & A Whole New Race
Jul 23, 2024
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Historians Michael Beschloss and Robert Costa join John to discuss Biden's exit, Kamala's rise, and the reshaped presidential race. They explore internal and external forces behind Biden's decision, the impact on Trump, and potential showdowns with Harris. The podcast delves into historical contexts, power dynamics, and potential challenges for Harris in her political strategy.
Joe Biden's historic exit from the presidential race reshaped the election landscape.
Kamala Harris's endorsement by Biden consolidated Democratic unity and support.
Challenges for Harris include fair selection perception and uniting Democratic factions.
Deep dives
Biden's Decision to Step Down
Joe Biden, after a tumultuous period in American politics, ultimately made the difficult decision to step down from the presidential race. This action came after significant pressure from various quarters, including close advisors and top Democratic figures like Nancy Pelosi. Despite initial reluctance and a belief in his ability to defeat Trump, Biden acknowledged the risk of jeopardizing American democracy by staying in the race.
Coalescing Around Kamala Harris
Following Biden's withdrawal, the Democratic Party swiftly rallied around Vice President Kamala Harris as the presumptive nominee for president. The party's cohesion solidified as prominent figures, from Hakeem Jeffries to Whitmer and Bashir, backed Harris. Despite potential regrets from other contenders for not seizing the moment, the consensus around Harris stemmed from a collective view of ensuring a united front against challenges that threatened the democratic process.
Impact of Biden's Endorsement
Upon Joe Biden endorsing Kamala Harris, a wave of relief and support swept through the party, solidifying her position as the favored nominee. The endorsement also prompted a cascading effect, with cautious contenders stepping back to avoid internal strife. The decision reinforced Harris's standing and the acknowledgment of Biden's departure, leading Democrats to prioritize unity and stability in facing the forthcoming political landscape.
Potential Challenges in Vice President Harris's Nomination Process
Some challenges in Vice President Harris's nomination process include the need for a fair selection process to avoid appearing as an insider's choice. President Trump's perspective that Harris replacing Biden doesn't alter the race and his assertion that she is favored by party insiders might be utilized by Republicans to portray her as an establishment candidate. Harris's outreach, interactions, and ability to unite progressive and centrist factions within the Democratic Party are crucial indicators of her leadership.
Importance and Impact of Vice President Harris's Running Mate Selection
The choice of Vice President Harris's running mate holds substantial import as it represents a primary opportunity for her to showcase her decision-making and expand her message. As Americans have limited knowledge of Harris compared to Trump, her every action leading up to the election will shape perceptions. The running mate selection is highlighted as a significant statement, potentially shaping voters' understanding of Harris and her campaign's direction as she navigates the challenges of political pain tolerance and displays political imagination against Trump's established persona.
John goes deep on Joe Biden’s historic, campaign-upending decision to exit the presidential race with NBC News presidential historian and author of nine books on the presidency, Michael Beschloss, and Robert Costa, CBS News chief election correspondent and co-author (with Bob Woodward) of the New York Times No. 1 best-seller, “Peril." The three friends discuss the internal and external forces that compelled Biden to bow out; his decision to endorse his understudy, Kamala Harris; how the game-changing turn of events has fundamentally rebooted the presidential race; and how Donald Trump is likely to react to being deprived of his preferred foil, Biden, and instead having to face Harris (bottom line: unhappily).
