CommentsCAL BUZZ-California Sen. Kamala Harris quit the presidential race Tuesday not because, as she put it, “My campaign for president simply doesn’t have the financial resources we need to continue.”
She dropped out because Democratic primary voters had come to see her as an empty pantsuit.
As Calbuzz pointed out early and repeatedly, Harris has positions, not convictions. (Photo above: (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
She tried to present herself as a somewhat progressive – a sort of lefty moderate – but was always triangulating her stance on issues, from school busing to health care, always seeking a position that would work to her advantage.
“After watching her in San Francisco and California for more than a decade, we truly don’t know whether she operates from a core of cogent and steadfast political values — or merely from a concatenation of constant calculation as to what position most benefits her politically,” we told our readers months ago.
By dropping out now, she can remove her name from the California primary ballot and avoid an embarrassing fourth or fifth place finish in her home state. Least-favorite Daughter is not a strong credential on your political resume.
Getting out now also sets her up as a potential vice-presidential choice – although she might help a ticket demographically more than geographically – or as a possible cabinet member in a Democratic administration. A lack of authenticity might not be so debilitating for a secondary position.
If she were to endorse former Vice President Biden – whom she attacked in the first Democratic debate – she could rehabilitate herself and maybe get herself picked as his running mate, if he wins the nomination. If Biden would forgive her.
“Kamala Harris is an incredible talent with unlimited potential. Her career has been defined by taking on those who abuse power and seeking equity and justice for all people. Her intellect and insight will continue to be needed by the Democratic Party and the country,” Biden tweeted Tuesday afternoon.
So who knows?
Harris kept saying she would take the case to President Donald Trump. But that presumed there would be a debate – which Trump would be under no obligation to accept. As a free agent with a megaphone, she can still help her party and the country by campaigning against Trump. That’s what she promised to do in her drop-out statement:
“I want to be clear: although I am no longer running for President, I will do everything in my power to defeat Donald Trump and fight for the future of our country and the best of who we are.”
If she is committed to that goal and continues to add her voice, she can make a valuable contribution.
(Jerry Roberts is a California journalist who writes, blogs and hosts a TV talk show about politics, policy and media. Phil Trounstine is the former political editor of the San Jose Mercury News, former communications director for California Gov. Gray Davis and was the founder and director of the Survey and Policy Research Institute at San Jose State University. This piece appeared originally in CalBuzz.) Prepped for CityWatch by Linda Abrams.