Harris’s Delusions of Grandeur: Yet Another Bid for Presidency?

Kamala Harris appears to be reaching out of her depth once again, sparking speculation of a potential bid for higher office. One can’t help but chuckle as Democrats attempt to reinvent themselves, still grappling with their lost identity. The Republican competition, on the other hand, has the task of increasing their public stature while extending their loyalty towards Donald Trump, whose influence remains uncontested.

Harris, seemingly not satisfied with her current role, has dismissed the idea of running for the governor of California in 2026. Instead, she’s teasing the possibility of another shot at the presidency. Having a chat on ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’, Harris disclosed plans to roam around the country and ‘listen to people’, a typical political move.

Without a doubt, Harris will likely be a familiar face in the next Democratic lineup given her donors’ network and her slightly tainted renown from her time as Vice President. But as some strategists have pointed out, her journey towards nomination won’t be a rose-petal covered path. The Democratic party, still in its post-loss shuffle, expects a tight primary with numerous contestants jostling for a place.

Interestingly, several party figures are already making moves to secure their chances in the upcoming election cycles. JB Pritzker, the governor of Illinois, garnered some attention with his speech in New Hampshire, and Ruben Gallego, the senator from Arizona, is planning events in the same state. Meanwhile, Gavin Newsom, California’s governor, Andy Beshear, Kentucky’s governor, and congressman Ro Khanna, have also started touring early-voting states.

Among the lineup, Pete Buttigieg, former transportation secretary, and Maryland governor Wes Moore have been active, seizing the power of podcasts and policy discussions to appeal to the Democratic base, demonstrating a rather cute attempt to stay relevant. Also, some potential candidates, such as Khanna and congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, are stockpiling campaign funds, indicating their readiness for ambitious attempts.

The expected participants seem to cover a broad ideological range, spanning from the likes of mediocre centrists such as former Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel, to the more left-leaning figures such as Khanna. The upcoming debates around foreign policy, cost of living, and the surge of on-and-off left-wing populist energy are destined to shape the course of the race.

Switching tracks to the Republican side, it appears that the potential candidates have a complex task ahead: carving out their profile in the public eye and staying within the favorable bounds of Donald Trump. This delicate act must be performed due to Trump’s continued weighty influence on the GOP base.

Trump’s playful banter about a third term constrains the movement of prospective successors, creating a risky political landscape. JD Vance, the current Vice President, is generally viewed as Trump’s political protege, but, predictably, others are making strategic moves to increase their own influence.

Several likely contenders are emerging, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin. Rubio, with his 2016 presidential bid, possesses an established national image, but Desantis has managed to mend ties with Trump after a confrontational 2024 campaign.

In addition to the aforementioned governors, figures such as Youngkin, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, could pique interest given their independent records. However, potential Senate candidates might find it challenging to disconnect from the image of Washington’s politics which, admittedly, can often be off-putting.

Given the stable Republican primary calendar, candidates are expected to prepare for Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Nevada. Already making early moves are Youngkin, Sanders, Rand Paul, and Rick Scott, targeting potential voters in these states.

Despite JD Vance’s strong initial position, analysts signal that voters are also keen on Rubio and others who have managed to stay loyal to Trump without being as closely associated with him. These figures may stand a chance given Trump’s possible diminishing glare, signaling a shift in the GOP dynamics.

However, how far Trump critics such as Nikki Haley can go in mounting a strong challenge largely depends on Trump’s continued appeal and the overall performance of the Republicans in the midterms. If Trump’s influence wanes or controversy ensues, candidates might find it viable to separate themselves and focus on the 2028 elections.