"The Candidate Is Harris Anyway... $8 Million Raised One Hour After Biden's Resignation" [Interview]

Interview with Jang Sung-gwan, Democratic Delegate from New Jersey, USA
"Vice Presidential Candidate Likely Governors of Illinois and Kentucky"
Expecting Counterattack on 'Age Risk' Against Trump

"After President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the Democratic presidential race, Vice President Kamala Harris raised $8 million (approximately 11.1 billion KRW) in online small donations within just one hour. Whether the new Democratic presidential candidate is chosen by acclamation or through a primary, it will inevitably be Vice President Harris."

Jang Seong-gwan, a Democratic delegate representing New Jersey, told Asia Economy on the 21st (local time), "While some Democratic lawmakers and major donors believe a primary should be held to select the new presidential candidate, they are a very small minority," adding, "No matter the process, the new candidate will quickly be settled as Vice President Harris."

Following a poor performance in the presidential TV debate on the 27th of last month, President Biden faced pressure to withdraw and officially announced his decision not to run on this day, prompting the Democratic Party to begin the process of selecting a new presidential candidate. Considering the candidate registration deadlines in some states, the candidate must be confirmed by the Democratic National Convention held in Chicago, Illinois, from the 19th to the 22nd of next month, at the latest by the 7th of next month. Within the Democratic Party, opinions are divided between the 'Harris acclamation theory,' which supports nominating Vice President Harris as the new candidate, and those advocating for a 'mini-election' primary.

Jang said, "There is no official Democratic Party procedure for replacing the presidential candidate," and added, "The Democratic National Committee (DNC) will convene a nationwide virtual meeting by the 23rd or 24th at the latest to adopt a resolution (for Harris's acclamation) or hold a primary to reach a conclusion." He also noted, "It is important that most Democratic lawmakers who called for President Biden's withdrawal have conditionally supported Vice President Harris," conveying that even if potential candidates within the party express their intention to run, there will be no 'surprise' outcome.

He evaluated Vice President Harris's competitiveness by saying, "As a former San Francisco District Attorney and California Attorney General and Chief Prosecutor, she has taken a strong stance against violent and sex offenders, which helps avoid attacks that Democratic candidates are lenient on crime," and added, "Nevertheless, she promotes progressive policies and pledges on social issues, appealing strongly to moderate voters." He continued, "Vice President Harris is young, a person of color, and a woman, and she is strong in debates," emphasizing, "Democrats are motivated by the sentiment that anyone but President Biden is acceptable, and they are very encouraged by the rise of Vice President Harris as the new presidential candidate."

If Vice President Harris is confirmed as the new Democratic candidate, the likely running mate for vice president would be either the governor of Illinois or the governor of Kentucky. This is because it could expand the white male support base in the Midwest and Southern regions, which are strongholds of former President Donald Trump's supporters.

Jang said, "To broaden the support base, a middle-aged white male from the American Midwest or South will likely be nominated as the vice presidential candidate," naming "J.B. Pritzker, governor of Illinois, or Andy Beshear, governor of Kentucky, as strong candidates for vice president." He added, "Governor Pritzker is wealthy, which is an advantage as he can self-fund election campaigns," and evaluated, "Governor Beshear is from a rural Southern background, is young and eloquent, and has succeeded in winning re-election in Kentucky, a 'Republican stronghold,' which makes him competitive."

He also suggested that Vice President Harris could launch a counterattack against former President Trump regarding the 'age controversy' that has hindered President Biden.

Jang predicted, "As soon as President Biden announced his withdrawal, the first frame emerging within the Democratic Party was that former President Trump is too old," and forecasted, "Vice President Harris is likely to launch an offensive against former President Trump by highlighting that he is the oldest presidential candidate in American history."