Gimenez Doubts Harris Will Replace Biden As Democrat Frontrunner

Rep. Carlos Gimenez

During the Republican National Convention, former Ambassador Nikki Haley said a vote for reelecting President Joe Biden was a vote for Vice President Kamala Harris due to concerns about the former's mental and physical well-being. Representative Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) suggested there would not be a Harris 2024 ticket in November in a recent appearance on Fox Business's Varney & Co., saying Democratic donors want to replace Biden with someone else without resorting to her.

Rep. Gimenez's words underscore the deep uncertainty within the Democratic Party. "I do not think we will see Harris at the top of the ticket. What I am hearing is that if it is not Joe Biden at the top of the ticket, and somehow the Democrats actually get rid of Joe Biden, then they are going to be looking for someone else; they are not going to be looking for Kamala Harris," he said, raising concerns about the potential impact on Vice President Harris.

Rep. Gimenez also pointed out the irony of Democratic officials seeking to replace Biden, calling it a "hypocritical" move. He criticized them for claiming to defend democracy while seemingly ignoring their voters' will to replace their nominee in Biden.

"They are saying [Republicans] are a threat to democracy, and yet here they are trying to topple their democratically elected or nominated candidate, Joe Biden, in any way or shape that they can, and then they will bypass the Vice President also. So that is what I am hearing is happening right now with the Democratic Party, the top donors, etcetera, how to get rid of Joe Biden but also how not to turn to Kamala Harris," Rep. Gimenez continued.

Concerns about President Biden's mental and physical well-being among Democrats kicked into high gear after his disastrous debate performance against former President Donald Trump near the end of June. This performance, characterized by gaffes, slurred words, and malapropers, led to many calling for his withdrawal from the 2024 Election in November.

Despite this, Biden has stubbornly stayed in the race, which Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) said would sink their chances. He added that he hoped Biden would continue running.

Grayson Bakich

Florida born and raised, Grayson Bakich is a recent recipient of a Master’s Degree in Political Science at the University of Central Florida. His thesis examined recent trends in political polarization and how this leads into justification of violence.