Would Joe Biden Have Outperformed Kamala Harris in the 2020 Election?
The 2020 US election cycle was marked by intense speculation and anticipation, particularly surrounding the Democratic Party's candidates, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. The question often posed was: would Biden have performed better than Harris in the debates and ultimately the election? While Harris did debate well against President Trump in the vice-presidential debate, allowing us to analyze their performance, the outcome still leans towards a negative direction for both.
Debate Performance and Its Impact
It is important to define what it means for Biden to have 'performed better' than Harris in the election context. Here, we are not talking about winning the presidency but rather offering a more compelling argument against Trump. The problem was not so much in their debate performance but in the subsequent fallout and public perception. Joe Biden's debate performance did not leave a strong enough impression, and this negatively impacted his chances. On the other hand, while Kamala Harris performed well in the vice-presidential debate, it was certainly not enough to change the course of the election.
Party Decisions and Nomination Controversy
The Democrat Party's decision to replace Biden with Harris was a significant moment in the election cycle. Party heavyweights took it away from Joe Biden because they believed he was the worst choice at that time. This decision ultimately played a crucial role in the election outcome.
The discussion now is mostly retrospective, criticizing the party bosses for their premature excitement with Harris and their subsequent frustrations. Harris now joins Hillary Clinton as a symbol of unelectability, and the political dream has shattered. The takeaway from this is that sometimes, life isn't fair in politics, and successful nominations require a combination of qualities that stand the test of public scrutiny.
Public Perception and Demographic Factors
No one can deny that the election was heavily influenced by demographic factors. While many voters favored Harris because she was younger and a woman, it is also true that voters had concerns about Biden's age and mental condition. However, it's equally valid to argue that Harris's performance and public image didn't meet the expectations of the party. Both candidates faced backlash for previous policy missteps, and the debate performances themselves didn't convert into votes.
There's a common myth that either Biden or Harris could have outperformed the other if they had performed better in the debates. However, it's unlikely that either Biden or Harris could have won over Trump in such a polarized election. The reality is that both candidates faced significant challenges, including voter apathy and policy issues that didn't resonate with the electorate.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Biden and Harris both debated well, neither would have been able to outperform the other in the 2020 election. The overall performance in debates, combined with other factors such as public perception and demographic trends, ultimately determined the outcome. The election teaches us that successful candidates need to not only debate well but also connect with voters on a deeper level. The 2020 election will be remembered for its contentious debates and the performances that fall short of expectations.