Analysis: Biden’s viability, party’s future face questions
Associated PressWASHINGTON — The Democratic Party is in no mood for a coronation. The questions surrounding Biden’s viability are a proxy for the broader debate among Democrats about the best path to defeat President Donald Trump, and about the future of a party that has been trying to reconcile for a generation the role that government should play in American life. Are Biden’s decades of experience in Washington an antidote to Trump, who took office having never served in government, or would a fresher face, such as California Sen. Kamala Harris, help Democrats ramp up general election turnout among young voters and minorities? Harris, a former prosecutor who would be the first black woman elected president, wove her own personal history into her blistering critique of Biden’s words and actions. “But I also believe — and it’s personal — it was actually hurtful to hear you talk about the reputations of two United States senators who built their reputations and career on the segregation of race in this country.” Candidates also challenged Biden’s record as a dealmaker during his tenure as vice president, jabbing at both a source of pride for Biden and one of his stated qualifications for the presidency.