Kamala Harris must distance herself from Joe Biden to win in November, according to left-wing pundit Jonathan Chait. Mr. Chait, who called for Biden to drop out following his poor debate performance against Donald Trump, said the Vice President has to “cut him loose.” He said it is easy for Harris to differentiate herself from Trump, but to truly “turn a page” and move on to a new era of American history, she must equally differentiate herself from Biden.
Mr. Chait cites public opinion measured by a recent New York Times survey, which found that 61% of Americans want a fresh start and a “major change.” Meanwhile, just 25% said they see Kamala Harris as that “major change.” The commentator harshly added that Harris must care nothing for Joe Biden’s feelings and focus only on the goal of taking her seat in the Oval Office. Using the Vice President’s famous phrase, Chait stated that Harris is now “liberated” to define herself in any way she wishes, “unburdened by what has been.”
Chait is not the first to offer this advice to Harris. In August, financial commentator Janan Ganesh argued that the Vice President would be wise to step away from “Bidenomics” if she wants to persuade the American people that she provides a safe set of hands for the country’s economy – an issue on which Donald Trump generally has the edge. He suggested that Democrats aren’t fully aware of how unpopular some of Biden’s economic policies were, and need to inform themselves and present a coherent alternative quickly.
During their first Presidential debate, Kamala Harris verbally distinguished herself and her policies from both Trump and Biden, after Mr. Trump attempted to portray the President and Vice President as the same. “She is Biden,” Trump said. Harris replied, “Clearly, I am not Joe Biden, and I am certainly not Donald Trump.” She went on to state that she is the only opportunity for America to move on to a new era and leave the past behind. “I offer a new generation of leadership,” she said. Trump wasn’t convinced, however, and later told reporters that Harris tried to “get herself away from Biden” but did not succeed.
