Democrats praise Harris as Biden faces pressure to withdraw
- Tim Ryan was the first Democrat to suggest Kamala Harris replace Biden as the nominee after Biden's poor debate performance.
- Harris's initial debate performance has been well-received, helping to close the gap between Biden and Trump in polls.
- Democrats are increasingly optimistic about the campaign's energy and enthusiasm with Harris as the nominee.
In the wake of President Biden's underwhelming debate performance against Trump, some Democrats began advocating for Vice President Kamala Harris to take over as the party's nominee. Tim Ryan, a former Ohio congressman, was among the first to publicly suggest this change, expressing confidence in Harris's ability to energize the base and attract young voters. His comments sparked a media tour where he emphasized Harris's growth in her role and her potential to outperform Trump in debates. As Harris emerged as the presumptive nominee, her initial debate performance was positively received, leading to a shift in the dynamics of the race. Polls indicated that she had successfully narrowed the gap between Biden and Trump, validating the calls from several congressional Democrats for a new candidate. This shift in momentum has encouraged other party members, including Rep. Lloyd Doggett, who expressed satisfaction with the outcome of Harris's nomination. The enthusiasm surrounding Harris's candidacy has been palpable, with various Democratic representatives noting an increase in energy and support within the party. Rep. Suzan Delbene highlighted the boost in enthusiasm among House Democrats, attributing it to Harris's presence at the top of the ticket. Ryan urged the Harris campaign to increase her visibility and engagement with voters to maintain this momentum. Overall, the transition to Harris as the leading candidate has reinvigorated the Democratic campaign, with many party members feeling optimistic about the upcoming election. The initial skepticism surrounding Biden's candidacy has shifted to a sense of hope and excitement for the future of the party under Harris's leadership.