Could Kamala Harris run for President again? – with The Guardian’s David Smith
Dec 4, 2024
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David Smith, the Washington DC bureau chief for The Guardian, joins to dissect Kamala Harris's surprising presidential defeat and her potential comeback for 2028. They explore how this loss reflects the Democratic Party's ongoing identity crisis and the pressures it faces in today's political landscape. The discussion also touches on the challenges unique to women of color in politics and the impact of Biden's recent pardons, revealing the complex narratives of political accountability and the road ahead for Harris and her party.
Despite her past defeat, Kamala Harris's considerable fundraising success may provide a strong foundation for a potential 2028 campaign.
The Democratic Party is experiencing a significant identity crisis, grappling with internal divisions and the need for strategic unity moving forward.
Deep dives
Kamala Harris's Future in Politics
Kamala Harris, despite her recent presidential election defeat, remains a figure of interest within the Democratic Party. There are indications that she is considering keeping her options open for a potential 2028 run, which has sparked debate about her viability as a candidate. Some supporters believe her limited campaigning time of just 107 days before the election hinders a full assessment of her capabilities, suggesting that given more time, she could perform significantly better. However, many within the party express skepticism about returning to a defeated nominee, citing historical examples such as Al Gore and Hillary Clinton, who both faced challenges in regaining political traction after their losses.
Democrats' Identity Crisis
The Democratic Party is currently grappling with a profound identity crisis following a disappointing election outcome. There's a palpable sense of confusion and division among party members as they attempt to determine their future strategy and message, especially in the face of Donald Trump's anticipated return to power. This discord is exacerbated by internal disputes between progressive elements and centrist factions, each advocating for different directions and approaches to align with the party's core values. As Democrats navigate their post-election reflection, there is ongoing speculation regarding leadership and potential candidates for future elections, emphasizing the need for unity amid the disarray.
Impact of Money in Politics
The discussion raises an important point about the role of money in political campaigns, particularly highlighting Kamala Harris's fundraising success prior to her defeat. Having raised over a billion dollars during her campaign, she possesses a substantial network of donors, which might bolster any future endeavors. However, the effectiveness of financial backing in achieving electoral success is under scrutiny, as past instances illustrate that possessing significant funds does not guarantee victory. Critics argue that an association with elite fundraising tactics can alienate potential working-class voters, fueling the narrative that Democrats represent coastal elites disconnected from everyday Americans.
Kamala Harris faced an uphill battle in her bid for the White House ending in a shock defeat which has left her party reeling. But, she’s suggested she wants to stay in the fight, and early polling hints that she could muster support to run in 2028. Would that be wise for her or the Democratic Party? Today on The Bunker, Jacob Jarvis is joined by David Smith, Washington DC bureau chief for The Guardian, to dissect the fallout from this historic loss and what Harris might do moving forward. Together, they explore what the campaign's failure reveals about the Democratic Party’s strategy – and whether Harris could run again in 2028.
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Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editors: Tom Taylor. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.