What Would Biden’s Resignation Mean for Kamala Harris and Women’s Leadership?

Smiling woman in black coat waves among people.

Former Harris aide proposes Biden’s resignation to make Harris the first female US president.

At a Glance

Jamal Simmons, ex-communications director for Kamala Harris, suggests Biden resign within 30 days
Proposal aims to make Harris the first female US president after losing to Trump in hypothetical scenario
Simmons praises Biden as a “phenomenal president” while advocating for his resignation
The suggestion sparks debate about political strategy and women’s leadership in US politics

Controversial Proposal Emerges from Former Harris Aide

In a surprising turn of events, Jamal Simmons, the former communications director for Vice President Kamala Harris, has put forward a controversial proposal on CNN’s State of the Union. Simmons suggested that President Joe Biden should resign within the next 30 days, paving the way for Harris to become the first female president of the United States. This proposition comes in the wake of a hypothetical scenario where Harris loses both the electoral college and popular vote to former President Donald Trump in a future election.

The proposal has sparked intense debate about political strategy, party unity, and the ongoing struggle for women to break through the highest political glass ceiling in America. Simmons, who has a long history of working with prominent Democratic figures, including Bill Clinton and Al Gore, believes this move would create drama and transparency beneficial for the Democratic Party.

Former Harris aide calls for Biden to resign so she can be president briefly https://t.co/2g6rFQvG7L

— The Hill (@thehill) November 11, 2024

Implications for Democratic Party and Women’s Leadership

While Simmons praised Biden as a “phenomenal president,” he argued that this resignation would fulfill Biden’s promise of being a transitional figure. The suggestion raises questions about the potential impact on voter perception and party unity, especially given reported tensions between Biden and Harris during the campaign.

“Joe Biden’s been a phenomenal president. He’s lived up to so many of the promises he’s made.” – Jamal Simmons

The proposal has garnered mixed reactions. Some social media users have echoed Simmons’ call, suggesting it could disrupt Trump’s plans. However, others, like Symone D. Sanders Townsend, co-host of MSNBC’s The Weekend, disagree, emphasizing the seriousness of the presidency and the potential consequences of such a move.

Political Landscape and Strategic Considerations

This suggestion comes at a time of introspection for the Democratic Party following their hypothetical loss to Republicans and Trump. The proposal highlights the complex dynamics at play, including the desire to make history with the first female president and the strategic implications of such a move in the face of a resurgent Republican Party.

“This is the moment for us to change the entire perspective of how Democrats operate.” – Jamal Simmons

Simmons argues that Democrats need to adapt to new political realities, likening the current political climate to a mixed martial arts fight rather than table tennis. This analogy underscores the perceived need for bold, unexpected moves in the face of challenging political circumstances.

Potential Consequences and Party Reactions

The proposal has not been without controversy within Democratic circles. David Plouffe, a senior Harris campaign adviser, faced backlash after criticizing Biden for delaying his withdrawal from the race, which was seen as a factor in Harris’s hypothetical defeat. The incident resulted in Plouffe deleting his social media account and reportedly facing criticism from Biden’s team.

As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how this proposal will impact the Democratic Party’s strategy moving forward and its efforts to secure the highest office in the land. The suggestion, while provocative, has succeeded in reigniting discussions about women’s leadership in politics and the complex dynamics of presidential succession.