Kamala Harris: Potential Successor to Biden
Amid growing concerns about President Joe Biden's ability to secure a second term, Vice President Kamala Harris has emerged as a potential successor. Following Biden's lackluster performance in a recent debate, Harris has been highlighted by senior officials within the Biden campaign, the White House, and the Democratic National Committee as a strong candidate to lead the party if Biden decides to withdraw from the race.
Campaign Funds and Legalities
One of the critical issues surrounding a potential transition from Biden to Harris is the handling of the substantial campaign funds. The Biden-Harris campaign has access to $91 million in cash, with allied Democratic organizations bringing the total to $240 million. According to Kenneth Gross, a senior political counsel, Harris could utilize these funds for her own campaign if Biden decides to step down. However, this would require navigating various legal stipulations, including donor refund policies and Federal Election Commission regulations.
Future of the Democratic Campaign
If neither Biden nor Harris continues as the candidate, the campaign funds could be reallocated in several ways. They might be transferred to Democratic committees supporting House and Senate candidates, or used to create a super PAC. Additionally, the funds could be reserved for future elections or donated to charities. The Democratic Party also has other potential candidates such as Governors Gavin Newsom, Gretchen Whitmer, and Josh Shapiro, but senior officials believe Harris remains the most viable option to challenge Trump.
- The legal intricacies of reallocating campaign funds are complex. If donors request refunds after a candidate change, the campaign team must approve these refunds, as donors do not have an automatic right to reclaim their contributions. Legal experts like Bradley A. Smith emphasize that once a donation is made, it belongs to the campaign committee within the limits of the law.
- If Harris were to take over the campaign, she would inherit not only the funds but also the campaign infrastructure built by the Biden team. This transition could potentially streamline her campaign efforts, leveraging existing resources to mount a strong challenge against Trump.
- Despite the speculation, White House spokeswoman Karin Jean-Pierre has stated that President Biden intends to continue his campaign. Harris' aides have also dismissed the notion of her replacing Biden, affirming that she expects to serve a second term alongside him.
