Biden's mental state puts the spotlight on Kamala Harris: Is she a solution or an even bigger problem?

Doubts about Joe Biden's mental fitness to take on a second term and fears that special counsel Robert Hur's report could deter voters have turned all eyes to the Vice President Kamala Harris. She could be presented as an option in the event that Biden decides not to run, which could raise even more doubts among Democratic voters and leaders, especially since Harris's approval rating is even worse than that of the president.

Although it never reached great heights, the vice president's popularity has been worsening since her arrival at the White House in 2021. NBC conducted a survey in the last week of January in which only 28% of voters said they have a favorable opinion of Harris, compared to 53% who have a negative opinion. In fact, respondents' top choice was "very negative," at 42%. Eleven percent say they hold a "somewhat negative" opinion of the vice president, while 18% said they see her as "somewhat positive." The "very positive" response was the least voted option, with a measly 10%.

The vice president's highest approval rating came during the period between the November 2020 election and her arrival at the White House in January 2021. At that time, those who perceived her very positively ranged from 24-26%, and those who saw her somewhat positively were between 15 and 17%. Just eight months after taking office, her popularity had already fallen four points. Throughout 2022, her approval rating continued to fall. In November of last year, it fell below 30%, and it has continued to fall in 2024.

Newsom or Michelle Obama?

Harris' figures add to the poor perception that Americans have about the work of the Biden administration, especially in regard to the economy and the border. Much of the nationwide disapproval stems from the progressive stance that Biden has taken on these issues, and voters could be perhaps less inclined to vote for a candidate they see as even more ideologically radical than the president.

Once again, eyes are turning towards the shadow candidates: California Governor Gavin Newsom and former First Lady Michelle Obama. In both cases, taking into account that the deadline to register as a candidate in many states has already passed, the most feasible option would be for Biden to drop out of the race after being elected by the party, then recommending someone to receive nomination from the Democratic delegates.

Harris lashes out at Hur

The vice president did not bite her tongue when analyzing the work of special prosecutor Hur. In a appearance speaking to reporters after a meeting of community intervention leaders against violence, Harris said that the report was "politically motivated" and noted that the special prosecutor "should have shown a higher level of integrity" when he assessed Biden's mental state to justify not filing charges.