Kamala Harris wants to be the Democratic presidential candidate, but there are more who could conceivably challenge her.
Now the question remains who will run for president and how the Democrats will succeed in uniting the party.
– I think there are a few tumultuous weeks ahead of us, says US researcher Frida Stranne.
In connection with Biden dropping out of the presidential election, he announced in an open letter on X that he supports Kamala Harris as the new presidential candidate.
Harris himself writes in a statement:
“I am honored to have the president’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.”
Whether she will indeed be chosen as the Democrats’ final presidential candidate remains to be seen.
– Now it’s a few weeks until the Democrats’ party convention and that’s when, formally speaking, you choose who is the party’s candidate in the election. That question is in front of the party, says Frida Stranne, US researcher.
Harris has low confidence – there are challengers
But Kamala Harris is not the only one who might be interested in running for office.
– There are several possible people in the party, but it is very difficult to step forward close to an election. It is a big gamble and few want to undertake such a task. Harris has rather low confidence in the party and has had it as vice president, says Frida Stranne.
Still, there are many indications that Harris has a good chance of becoming the Democratic nominee. In addition to the fact that it is her job as vice president to take over if the president himself is unable to lead, she also has several important personal qualities.
– She is the first woman who, even if she wins, would become president. She has a mixed background. She calls in many important constituencies. But she doesn’t have high confidence, that’s not obvious.
The future of the Democrats: “A real uphill climb”
The Democrats now face a major challenge, both in unifying the party and in the fight against Trump.
– They have a real uphill climb. Regardless of which way they chose to go, it is very difficult against Trump’s tailwind. They have had turbulence in the party about Biden’s health and now they are going to change. It is a great device to run a campaign. It requires planning and for things to fall into place. We have never been in a situation like this.
And it is not only the Democrats themselves who feel an uncertainty about the future. Although two-thirds of Democratic voters wanted Biden to be replaced, there is also concern among them.
– Many feel great relief, but at the same time everyone knows that it is a difficult position. Many are worried anyway, says Frida Stranne.
She continues:
– I think there are some tumultuous weeks ahead of us.