In late June, Tim Ryan, a former Ohio congressman, became the first Democrat to publicly advocate that Vice President Kamala Harris replace President Joe Biden on the Democratic ticket following Biden’s poor debate performance. Despite criticism from fellow Democrats, Ryan’s bold plan quickly gained headlines.
On July 2, Ryan launched a media campaign encouraging President Biden to step down in favor of Harris. He told reporters that Harris had “grown significantly into her job” and would “destroy Trump in debate, highlight choice (as an) issue, energize our base, bring back young voters, and give us generational change.”
At the time, Ryan admitted he felt like he was “whistling in the wind” when he further suggested Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as Harris’s running mate.
Ryan’s predictions appear to be paying off. Harris’ performance as the presumptive Democratic nominee has been highly accepted, with many Democrats uniting behind her leadership.
Ryan, who’s who previously ran against Harris in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary, is pleased with way the contest is shaping up. “I knew that she would be super-well received,” Ryan told CBS News. “But I didn’t realize it would be this level of excitement.”
Harris’ first presidential debate performance helped narrow the gap between Democrats and former President Trump, with many polls now supporting Harris. Her rise has also justified congressional Democrats, who were first criticized for calling for Biden to step aside.
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Rep. Lloyd Doggett, a veteran Democrat from Texas who was among the first to push Biden to step down, also expressed pleasure with the decision. ““I’m really encouraged by the way it has worked out,” Doggett told CBS News. Although he wished other Democrats had responded to his call much sooner, he acknowledged the eventual support of many colleagues.
Harris’s nomination additionally enhanced the election possibilities of other Democrats. Rep. Angie Craig, a moderate Democrat from a competitive district, noticed a major change in voter sentiment since Harris replaced Biden at the top of the ticket. “The top of the ticket has moved significantly in my district since the switch,” Craig noted.
House Democratic campaign officials are hoping that Harris’ candidacy will inspire voters and help down-ballot races. Representative Suzan Delbene, chairwoman of the House Democratic campaign arm, highlighted the energy produced by the Harris-Walz ticket by stating that “We are seeing an additional boost in enthusiasm and energy with Kamala Harris and Tim Walz at the top of the ticket.”
According to Ryan, the campaign’s delight is exactly what he expected when he first proposed Harris. He described the rallies as colorful and entertaining, stating, “It’s like a concert.” However, he has more advice for the Harris campaign, urging more public appearances to show voters her strength and determination.
Also Read: Trump’s Team Disappointed Over Bad Debate Performance Against Kamala Harris
