Adam Boulton: Harris’s White House Campaign Sets Itself Apart from Veep in Unique Ways | US News

Audiences for Veep, the TV series broadcast on Sky, have significantly increased since Kamala Harris became the Democratic candidate for the White House.

Similar to Selina Meyer, the fictional vice president in the show, Harris is now in a position closer than ever to becoming the first woman president.

While the prospect is exciting for Harris, the odds are not all favorable. Historically, out of the 46 presidents in US history, 15 have previously served as vice presidents. However, nine of them only reached the presidency because they were next in line after the president.

The 25th Amendment of the US Constitution stipulates that the VP automatically assumes the role of “the leader of the free world” if the POTUS dies, is incapacitated, or resigns as Nixon did.

Out of the last vice presidents from both parties who sought the presidential nomination, nine succeeded, except for George H W Bush’s VP, Dan “Potatoe” Quayle.

The path to becoming elected president is uncertain when vice presidents run while still serving under their president, as Harris is doing now.

In 1988, George Bush Sr became the first incumbent VP to win an election since Martin van Buren in 1836. Other VPs like Harry S. Truman’s vice president and Al Gore also failed in their bids.

Joe Biden and Richard Nixon had more success running for president after their terms as VP.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt was initially defeated as a vice presidential candidate in 1920 but later went on to be elected president four times. His last VP, Truman, then took over.

John “Cactus Jack” Nance Garner, FDR’s VP for his first two terms, was considered too old to continue and unsuccessfully ran against Roosevelt. He famously referred to the vice presidency as “a bucket of warm spit.”

A century earlier, Daniel Webster declined an invitation to serve, stating, “I do not propose to be dead until I am buried.”

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The implementation of a two-term limit on the presidency after FDR has made the vice presidency role more appealing, but it still lacks real power and remains mostly symbolic.

It is challenging for vice presidents to emerge as national leaders after being overshadowed by the president for several years.

When a vice president runs for president while serving under the incumbent, they are often seen as representing the previous administration, limiting their appeal for change.

However, Harris stands out from past VPs, not just because she is the first woman and person of color to hold the position but also due to the unique circumstances of her ascension to the presidency.

With Biden’s full support and endorsement, Harris is set to campaign vigorously with the legacy of his administration resting on her victory.

With the Democratic convention approaching and significant campaign donations secured, Harris is now positioned as “the change candidate” in the election, a contrast to the familiar figure of Donald Trump.

Unlike Trump, whose nomination at 78 years old broke records and prompted reflections on mental fitness, Harris represents a fresh and dynamic choice for voters.

Harris now has the opportunity to take a stand on key issues like abortion and Gaza, where Biden’s views were well-known.

In the coming days, she will announce her choice for vice presidential running mate, likely a seasoned white male politician from a swing state, which could broaden the appeal of the Democratic ticket.

In the aftermath of Biden’s poor debate performance, Trump seemed destined for victory, selecting a hardline running mate that played to his base. However, changes in the political landscape have affected the dynamics of the election.

JD Vance, Trump’s choice for VP, is facing backlash for his controversial statements, possibly diminishing his appeal among voters following Biden’s withdrawal.

In response to Vance’s inflammatory comments, criticizing “childless cat ladies” and opposing fertility treatment, online outrage has intensified.

Despite Biden’s acknowledgment that Democrats are the underdogs, Harris’s nomination has turned the tide, averting fears of electoral defeat in November.

Despite challenges faced in her past as vice president, Harris is now confidently hitting the campaign trail as a formidable contender in the upcoming presidential election.

Biden acknowledges the need to pass the torch to save democracy and recognizes the importance of new voices and perspectives in leadership.

With her legal, senatorial, and vice presidential experience, Harris, at 60 years old, is well-equipped for the job and poised to make history with her vice presidential bid for the White House.