Transition, Biden to Harris: KOA Morning Show

President Joe Biden pauses before he addresses the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on Wednesday about his decision to drop his Democratic presidential reelection bid. Photo: Evan Vucci/Pool/via AP

KOA's Marty and Jeana had questions about President Joe Biden's Oval Office speech (July 24), three days after his withdrawal; namely, where was the discussion of his mental ability? My comments follow:

Passing the Torch
The speech was enough for Democrats. They are pleased the 24 days of chaos have ended and the campaign against Donald Trump is back on track without the distraction of Biden's age.

Although Biden didn't specifically mention questions of competences he referenced age, saying that a new generation of leaders is more important today than experience. Biden said passing the torch was critical to saving democracy. Democrats did not consider the issue competence. They saw it as a losing campaign from early in the year becoming a landslide after the June 27 debate. The Party is thankful he made the decision; accolades flowed (approval of withdrawal was 87%) and the transition to Kamala Harris stated quick.

Polling Bounce
Biden has been behind Trump by two or more points all year, especially in battleground states, and enthusiasm for him was at a low ebb. Democrats hope Harris will energize women, young voters, people of color and independents. A couple of quick polls confirm the view that to start she mostly inherit Biden's position, i.e., a few points back, but has potential for upside that Biden didn't.

Trump Wanted Biden
Trump became Biden's strongest supporter. He believed he had the race won with Biden. Trump received an opinion bounce from assassination attempt and the Republican convention. But it was interrupted by Biden's announcement and the transition. Republicans are concerned about Harris's potential and have immediately gone on the attack. She's a radical liberal, dumb, a lunatic, she knew Biden was incompetent and hid it, etc., etc. Trump is not happy and still developing a line of attack—expect a fierce, negative campaign.

Transition to Harris
Finally, we discussed that Democrats are surprised and pleased by the fast and smooth transition to Harris. As Biden steps back, the 100-day Harris campaign to November has begun. Although there is some residual concern about her campaign skills, Democrats appear all in.

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