California Democrats Excited for Kamala Harris as VP

As the Democratic Party gears up for the upcoming election, there is a palpable sense of reluctance among some party members regarding Kamala Harris as the nominee. Despite the necessity of rallying support, a California delegate candidly expressed to Politico that while Harris may not be the party's strongest candidate, there is little choice but to back her. This sentiment reflects a broader unease within the party, particularly among those who have closely observed Harris's political trajectory. Historically, Harris's candidacy has not been met with unanimous enthusiasm. In 2020, when President Joe Biden was selecting his running mate, many California Democrats advocated for Congresswoman Karen Bass over Harris, arguing that Bass represented a more selfless and effective choice. David Crane, a veteran Democratic activist, highlighted this sentiment, emphasizing that Bass's commitment to public service distinguished her from Harris, whom he described as self-absorbed. The dynamics surrounding Harris's nomination were further complicated by allegations of negative campaigning against Bass, which some Democrats believed were orchestrated by a consulting firm linked to Harris. Ultimately, the Biden campaign settled on Harris as the "safest choice," not due to overwhelming confidence in her capabilities, but rather because her prior experience in the 2020 primary was deemed beneficial for the general election landscape. As the party moves forward, the underlying tensions regarding Harris's candidacy may pose challenges in unifying support among Democrats ahead of the election.