The debate over President Biden’s fitness for another term has thrust Vice President Kamala Harris into the spotlight, and I want to use today’s newsletter to consider what kind of nominee she might be.
Harris’s supporters frequently argue that criticisms of her political skills stem from racism and sexism. And it’s certainly true that racism and sexism infect American life and affect American politics. But this argument can nonetheless do a Harris a disservice.
Politicians often get better at their jobs, and become stronger candidates, by listening to criticism and addressing their weaknesses. Barack Obama became less professorial and long-winded, for example. Biden and Ronald Reagan each became somewhat more careful about telling exaggerated stories. George H.W. Bush and Al Gore tried to loosen up.
If Harris and her aides buy the notion that most criticism of her merely reflects her race and sex — which are immutable qualities — they will lose an opportunity to help her become more effective in the event that she becomes the Democratic nominee.
For now, it’s unclear whether Biden’s critics will succeed in pushing him out of the race. Yesterday, he pushed back aggressively. Yet the possibility remains strong enough that Harris — who would immediately become the favorite to replace him — is worthy of attention.