The Democratic Party is currently embroiled in a whirlwind of uncertainty and internal conflict, inadvertently providing ammunition to former President Trump, according to an MSNBC analyst's Wednesday commentary.
This turmoil stems from the ongoing discourse surrounding the potential replacement of President Biden with a candidate other than Vice President Kamala Harris.
Basil Smikle, a political strategist, was part of a discussion panel on "MSNBC Reports," where he dissected the growing apprehension surrounding Biden's candidacy. This follows what many perceive as a calamitous performance by Biden in his inaugural debate against Trump. As reported by Fox News, in the aftermath of the debate, a chorus of voices from mainstream media and even within the Democratic Party have begun advocating for Biden's withdrawal from the race. They propose alternatives such as California Governor Gavin Newsom or former First Lady Michelle Obama.
Smikle vehemently criticized these suggestions, arguing that they blatantly disregard Vice President Kamala Harris as a potential successor. He emphasized the potential repercussions of this oversight on Black voters. "The reality is if youre even going to have a conversation about whos next. If Kamala Harris, the sitting vice president, is not the first and last name out of your mouth, then tell me how youre going to get Black voters to engage when you change the rules to accommodate somebody other than her?" Smikle questioned.
Furthermore, Smikle expressed his disdain for the entire discourse, arguing that it only fuels "more concern" within the party. "The reality is I hate this open casting call. Its angering," Smikle stated. He expressed his frustration over the lack of support for Biden, arguing that even on his worst day, Biden outperforms Trump. "Why is that not the prevailing narrative thats coming out of that debate?" he asked.
Smikle warned that such internal discord within the Democratic Party only serves to create "more chaos, more concern, more uncertainty among voters," thereby providing Trump and his campaign an opportunity to exploit the situation. "All of this conversation to me just stokes more chaos, more concern, more uncertainty among voters and gives Donald Trump and his campaign an opening to say, look at what the Democrats are doing, they dont have it together."
Despite the ongoing controversy, some media analysts and Democratic figures have endorsed Harris as a potential replacement for Biden, should he decide to step down. "This party should not, in any way, do anything to work around Ms. Harris," stated Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., in a Tuesday interview with MSNBC.
A recent national poll from CNN indicates that three-quarters of voters believe the Democratic Party would stand a better chance of retaining the White House with a candidate other than Biden leading the party. The survey, released on Tuesday by CNN, also suggests that Harris would fare slightly better than Biden in a face-off with Trump, the presumptive GOP nominee.
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