In the wake of President Joe Biden’s lackluster debate performance in Atlanta, some Democrats are calling for Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him on the party’s November ticket in order to defeat former President Donald Trump. Former Rep. Tim Ryan, a staunch supporter of Biden, penned an opinion column in Newsweek expressing his admiration for the president while advocating for Harris to be the Democratic nominee in 2024.
A recent CNN poll released on Tuesday showed that Harris performed better against Trump in a hypothetical matchup compared to Biden. Harris trailed Trump by only 2 points in the poll, whereas Biden fell behind by 6 points. Despite Harris publicly supporting Biden after the debate, social media has seen a surge in posts featuring the hashtag #KHive, signaling a growing support for Harris among Democratic voters.
The KHive, a term used to describe Harris’s online supporters, was once likened to the „Bernie Bros“ of Bernie Sanders. They were known for defending Harris against racist and sexist attacks, although some members were criticized for engaging in harassment themselves. The KHive had largely faded from social media in recent years as Harris’s popularity waned, but speculation about a potential Harris presidency has reignited their presence online.
The resurgence of the KHive can be attributed to a viral quote from Harris about coconut trees, which gained traction following a swearing-in ceremony at the White House in May 2023. Harris remarked, „You exist in the context of all in which you live and what came before you,“ a statement that resonated with supporters and sparked renewed interest in her leadership.
Despite pressure from donors, strategists, and editorial boards to step aside, Biden has reaffirmed his commitment to staying in the race. In a conversation with his campaign team, Biden stated unequivocally, „I am running,“ signaling his determination to continue his bid for reelection.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the rise of the KHive and the renewed focus on Harris’s potential as a presidential candidate highlight the shifting dynamics within the Democratic Party. With social media playing a pivotal role in shaping public opinion, the support for Harris among online communities could have a significant impact on the upcoming election.