Douglas L. Kriner

Professor of Government

“Today’s headlines announce that Kamala Harris has secured support from enough delegates to win the Democratic nomination on the first ballot. Since President Biden’s withdrawal from the race, his delegates are free to back any candidate they choose – and they can still change their minds up until their votes are cast. But with leading potential rivals from Gretchen Whitmer to J.B. Pritzker to Gavin Newsome having already endorsed Harris, the vice president is clearly now the presumptive nominee.

“Should Democrats have closed ranks so fast? Is a coronation devoid of any input from the rank and file a good look for a party campaigning on ‘defending democracy?’ Democrats are in a real Catch-22 – and they would have been in much the same boat even if President Biden had stepped aside weeks ago. On the one hand, Harris is the sitting vice president. She is the logical choice.  Alternatives including some form of quasi mini-primary or an open convention would be inherently messy and uncertain. And not nominating Harris could alienate key constituencies.  However, as vice president, Harris is inextricably tied to an unpopular administration and will be on defense on key issues like inflation and immigration. And in most of the polling data we’ve seen such far, Harris does not significantly outperform Biden. A Harris candidacy may re

Kate Manne

Associate Professor of Philosophy

“There is no question that Harris’s candidacy will open up a torrent of misogynoir, a term coined by Moya Bailey and Trudy for the intersection of misogyny and racism (particularly anti-Black racism, although Harris is also of course South Asian). It’s our job to fight it in our circles and even ourselves. Opposing the misogynoir Harris is about to face loudly and vocally is the only way forward. The fate of our country hangs precariously in the balance.”

Samantha Sheppard

Associate professor of performing and media arts

“In the last few days, we've witnessed the power and purchase of Black voters, particularly Black women. Before President Biden stepped down, it was clear that Black voters would stand by him as he faced re-election. Now that Biden has stepped aside, we are witnessing the deep and vested interest of Black voters and women in supporting the presumed Democrat nominee Vice President Kamala Harris.

“We are witnessing the unique role that Black women celebrities, who have been marginalized in their own industries, as they take center stage ​in the effort to support Vice President Harris. Last night's class #WinWithBlackWomen Zoom event included 40,000 Black women who discussed how they would support Harris, raising $1 million in four hours. Many Black women celebrities were on that call.

“I think we're going to see and hear a groundswell of Black women celebrity ​activism. It has already begun. Kerry Washington, Viola Davis, Jennifer Lewis and others have pledged their support. These Black women celebrities are going to be the difference maker in pushing non-Black celebrities to be vocal and supportive of Harris. This is key. This has been a tough year for Black women in leadership (e.g., Claudine Gay). It's critical for Black women with platforms to work together to rise above the misogynoir that Harris will face.”